THEY don’t come more dedicated and loyal than Nelson Bay Football Club iron man Daniel McKenzie.
After four decades of sterling service, the Salamander Bay native is one of the great survivors in the cauldron of the Newcastle Football Association community.
There is no hint of retirement for the 46-year-old, who reached another career milestone when bestowed with life membership of the successful Port Stephens-based club.
Daniel and long-time clubmate Peter Hamshaw were honoured for their distinguished service at the club’s recent Annual General Meeting.
It was deserved recognition for two of Nelson Bay’s finest sporting ambassadors.
Since lacing up his first boots as a six-year-old, the evergreen McKenzie has had a close affinity with the Nelson Bay club as a player, coach and volunteer.
If he’s not nullifying rival attacks with his defensive skills as an experienced centre back, or coaching his sons Jack, 19, and 16-year-old Lincoln, you’ll find the hard-working committee member assisting colleagues on match day in various capacities.
A chuffed Daniel told News Of The Area that he was “honoured” to receive life membership of the soccer organisation in which he has virtually grown up .
“I’m a one club man and have made lifetime friendships here and shared many special moments both on and off field,” reflected the experienced defender.
“The reason I took up soccer was to play alongside my friends and I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the Nelson Bay football family for the past 40 years” he added.
Daniel holds the rare distinction of having been registered as a player for 40 consecutive years which is believed to be a club record and says there is “plenty of fuel left in the tank.”
He boasts Grand Final championship-winning medals in the Under 18s and Over 35s divisions and several Best and Fairest and Players’ Player awards.
Daniel’s recipe for longevity during the football season is maintaining his fitness with regular games of touch football, training twice a week, coaching the club’s emerging talent, and juggling his business commitments as the Nelson Bay locksmith.
Sons Jack and Lincoln are two of the club’s most promising defenders and don’t need to look far when seeking technical advice.
A super fit McKenzie will saddle up for his 41st successive season with Nelson Bay in 2026 as part of the Over 35s Division One team with a burning desire to play finals football.
The decorated Hamshaw also received life membership for his yeoman service as a player, coach and volunteer.
A dedicated mentor at Nelson Bay FC from grassroots up, Peter was instrumental in senior men’s football for over 15 years as a player and coach, and returned to play Over 35s with the club in 2025.
By Chris KARAS
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