Peter McKenna
Encyclopedia
Peter McKenna is a former Australian rules football
er, who played 180 games and kicked 838 goals with the Collingwood Football Club
between 1965 and 1975, where he spent the majority of his career. He continued to play in top senior leagues until 1980, with short stints at Devonport
in the NWFU
, Carlton
in the VFL (where he played 11 games and scored 36 goals), and with Northcote
and Geelong West in the VFA
.
One of the best full-forward
s ever, he holds the record for the longest sequence of matches in which he scored at least one goal: 120 matches. A mop-top hairstyle, genial grin and a gift for taking chest high marks won McKenna adulation in the 1960s and '70s as the game's first multimedia star. He continued a commentary role in the 1990s with Channel Seven
.
Despite displaying an early preference for soccer over football, Peter McKenna ultimately developed into one of the greatest full forwards in the Australian code's history. Indeed, his youthful interest with the round ball game may actually have aided him in certain ways. Other champion goalkickers Ken Farmer
, Frank Golding and Tony Modra
, for instance, all shared McKenna's early passion — a comparative analysis of the sorts of skills required in the apparently dichotomous two activities might be instructive.
Whatever the underlying reasons or causes, although Peter McKenna was by no means an overnight sensation, he had, by the start of his second season in senior football, begun to capture the imagination of Collingwood fans with the obvious range of his natural football ability. In round 1 1966 he booted 12 goals in a match-winning effort against Hawthorn
, and by the following year such feats were becoming almost commonplace.
Many full forwards are quick on the lead, but the truly great ones seem to know instinctively how to get the maximum advantage from their leads by timing them to perfection. In this particular skill, Peter McKenna has had few peers, and once he had gained possession of the ball, usually from a bullet stab pass from Barry Price
, or Wayne Richardson
, he almost invariably finished things off with consummate precision, typically using a kick on which the jury, at the time, was still out – the drop punt.
McKenna topped the Magpies' goal kicking list for the first of eight consecutive times in 1967, booting 47 goals. Over the ensuing seasons he gradually improved, kicking 97 goals in 1969, before amassing an incredible tally of 143 the following year. What was even more incredible was that it was not sufficient to top the VFL's goal kicking list; Hawthorn
's Peter Hudson
kicked 146 goals, adding a record-equalling 150 goals in 1971 compared to McKenna's 'modest' tally of 134. From the start of the 1968 season to Round 3, 1974, McKenna kicked at least one goal in 121 consecutive games, a competition record.
Moderately disappointing though this doubtless was, what was almost certainly of more concern to McKenna was his failure to contribute towards a Collingwood
premiership. The Magpies reached the grand final twice during his career, losing to St Kilda
by a point in 1966, although McKenna did not play, and then squandering a half time lead of 44 points against Carlton four years later. In that game, McKenna's misfortune in sustaining a head injury after accidentally colliding with team mate and vice-captain Des Tuddenham
during the second term undoubtedly contributed greatly to Collingwood's second half demise. Nevertheless, he finished the game with 6 goals, more than anybody else on the ground.
Peter McKenna finally managed to head the VFL's list of goal kicking with 130 goals in 1972, a season which also saw him achieve All Australian selection after booting 19 goals in 3 games at the Perth carnival
. The following year McKenna's total of just 86 goals was sufficient for him to claim pole position on the VFL's list for a second time.
In 1975, McKenna's form began to deteriorate, and after being dropped to the reserves he sustained a serious kidney injury that brought his season, and his Collingwood career, to a sad conclusion. The following year saw him lining up with the Devonport Magpies
in the NWFU. McKenna enjoyed a solid, confidence-boosting season in Tasmania, kicking 79 goals in 17 games.
In 1977, McKenna returned to the mainland for another stint in the VFL. Sadly, at least as far as McKenna was concerned, Collingwood was loath to pay big money for its former star, and with some reluctance he opted to front up with arch-rival Carlton instead. In what was by no means an ignominious comeback, McKenna managed 36 goals in 11 games, but it seemed clear to all parties concerned that he was some way past his best. As a result, he left Carlton, and spent the next three years giving good service to VFA clubs Geelong West
and Northcote
.
Altogether, McKenna's VFL record of 874 goals from 191 games was enough to place him as the league's fourth-highest goalkicker at the time of his retirement, behind only Gordon Coventry
, Doug Wade
and Jack Titus
; as of 2010 he sits ninth all-time. His full senior and representative career yielded 1213 goals.
During this time, he recorded his first pop single Things to Remember, written by Melbourne singer/songwriter Colin Buckley. This was followed by another single Smile, written by Johnny Young
.
In 1969, he was a teacher at Fairfield State Primary.
McKenna appeared regularly on television at this time, being Daryl Somers
' co-host of Hey Hey It's Saturday
for the show's first eight weeks in late 1971, and continuing to appear after Ossie Ostrich
had replaced him as co-host. There were also appearances on shows such as Young Talent Time
and Happening '72.
In 1973, he published a book describing his life and career to date, and his thoughts on the VFL and Australian football in general. The book was co-written with Phillip Burfurd and published in the Jack Pollard
Sportsmaster range of titles. My World Of Football was subtitled "The candid, provocative innermost thoughts and technical secrets of an Australian football hero".
After his football career had ended, McKenna began a career commentating football with Channel Seven
that lasted into the 1990s. In mid 2004 McKenna began work as a ministerial transport officer (chauffeur
) for the Victorian Parliament.
Peter McKenna is married and has 2 adult daughters.
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
er, who played 180 games and kicked 838 goals with the Collingwood Football Club
Collingwood Football Club
The Collingwood Football Club, nicknamed The Magpies, is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League...
between 1965 and 1975, where he spent the majority of his career. He continued to play in top senior leagues until 1980, with short stints at Devonport
Devonport Football Club
Devonport Football Club is an Australian rules football club based in Devonport, Tasmania. The club previously competed in the Northern Tasmanian Football League but from 2009 it joined the newly reformed Tasmanian State League....
in the NWFU
North West Football Union
The North West Football Union was an Australian rules football competition which ran from 1910 to 1986. In its time it was one of the three main leagues in Tasmania, with the Tasmanian Football League and Northern Tasmanian Football Association representing the rest of the state...
, Carlton
Carlton Football Club
The Carlton Football Club is a professional Australian rules football club based in Melbourne, Victoria. The club competes in the Australian Football League, and was one of the eight founding members of that competition in 1897...
in the VFL (where he played 11 games and scored 36 goals), and with Northcote
Northcote Football Club
Northcote Football Club, nicknamed The Dragons, was an Australian rules football club which played in the VFA from 1908 until 1987. The club's colours were green and yellow and it was based in the Melbourne suburb of Northcote...
and Geelong West in the VFA
Victorian Football League
The Victorian Football League which evolved from the former Victorian Football Association , taking its new name as from the 1996 season, is the premier Australian rules football league in Victoria The Victorian Football League (VFL) which evolved from the former Victorian Football Association...
.
One of the best full-forward
Full-forward
Full-forward is a position in Australian rules football and Gaelic football with a key focus on kicking goals.Leading full-forwards of the Australian Football League are usually among those awarded with the Coleman Medal for the most goals in an AFL season....
s ever, he holds the record for the longest sequence of matches in which he scored at least one goal: 120 matches. A mop-top hairstyle, genial grin and a gift for taking chest high marks won McKenna adulation in the 1960s and '70s as the game's first multimedia star. He continued a commentary role in the 1990s with Channel Seven
Seven Network
The Seven Network is an Australian television network owned by Seven West Media Limited. It dates back to 4 November 1956, when the first stations on the VHF7 frequency were established in Melbourne and Sydney.It is currently the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach...
.
Despite displaying an early preference for soccer over football, Peter McKenna ultimately developed into one of the greatest full forwards in the Australian code's history. Indeed, his youthful interest with the round ball game may actually have aided him in certain ways. Other champion goalkickers Ken Farmer
Ken Farmer
Kenneth William George "Ken" Farmer was an Australian rules football player in the South Australian National Football League during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s...
, Frank Golding and Tony Modra
Tony Modra
Anthony 'Tony' Dale Modra is a former Australian rules football player, known for his spectacular marks. He played for the Adelaide Football Club and Fremantle Football Club in the Australian Football League, mainly at full forward. Modra had the physical strength and size to match the best...
, for instance, all shared McKenna's early passion — a comparative analysis of the sorts of skills required in the apparently dichotomous two activities might be instructive.
Whatever the underlying reasons or causes, although Peter McKenna was by no means an overnight sensation, he had, by the start of his second season in senior football, begun to capture the imagination of Collingwood fans with the obvious range of his natural football ability. In round 1 1966 he booted 12 goals in a match-winning effort against Hawthorn
Hawthorn Football Club
The Hawthorn Football Club, nicknamed the Hawks, is a professional Australian rules football club in the Australian Football League . The club, founded in 1902, is the youngest of the Victorian-based teams in the AFL. The team play in Brown & Gold vertically striped guernseys...
, and by the following year such feats were becoming almost commonplace.
Many full forwards are quick on the lead, but the truly great ones seem to know instinctively how to get the maximum advantage from their leads by timing them to perfection. In this particular skill, Peter McKenna has had few peers, and once he had gained possession of the ball, usually from a bullet stab pass from Barry Price
Barry Price
Barry Price was an Australian Rules Footballer, who played 158 games and scored 60 goals with Collingwood Football Club between 1969 and 1977....
, or Wayne Richardson
Wayne Richardson
Wayne Richardson is a former Australian rules footballer in the Victorian Football League.Collingwood Football Club snared Wayne Richardson from South Fremantle Football Club in 1965 before he had made his senior debut and, not surprisingly, the West Australian side was extremely reluctant to...
, he almost invariably finished things off with consummate precision, typically using a kick on which the jury, at the time, was still out – the drop punt.
McKenna topped the Magpies' goal kicking list for the first of eight consecutive times in 1967, booting 47 goals. Over the ensuing seasons he gradually improved, kicking 97 goals in 1969, before amassing an incredible tally of 143 the following year. What was even more incredible was that it was not sufficient to top the VFL's goal kicking list; Hawthorn
Hawthorn Football Club
The Hawthorn Football Club, nicknamed the Hawks, is a professional Australian rules football club in the Australian Football League . The club, founded in 1902, is the youngest of the Victorian-based teams in the AFL. The team play in Brown & Gold vertically striped guernseys...
's Peter Hudson
Peter Hudson
Peter John Hudson AM is a former Australian Rules Football player, considered one of the greatest full-forwards in the game's history....
kicked 146 goals, adding a record-equalling 150 goals in 1971 compared to McKenna's 'modest' tally of 134. From the start of the 1968 season to Round 3, 1974, McKenna kicked at least one goal in 121 consecutive games, a competition record.
Moderately disappointing though this doubtless was, what was almost certainly of more concern to McKenna was his failure to contribute towards a Collingwood
Collingwood Football Club
The Collingwood Football Club, nicknamed The Magpies, is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League...
premiership. The Magpies reached the grand final twice during his career, losing to St Kilda
St. Kilda Football Club
The St Kilda Football Club, nicknamed The Saints, is an Australian rules football club based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The club plays in the Australian Football League, the sport's premier league....
by a point in 1966, although McKenna did not play, and then squandering a half time lead of 44 points against Carlton four years later. In that game, McKenna's misfortune in sustaining a head injury after accidentally colliding with team mate and vice-captain Des Tuddenham
Des Tuddenham
Desmond Vincent Tuddenham is a former Australian rules footballer who played during the 1960s and 1970s. He was a half forward flanker....
during the second term undoubtedly contributed greatly to Collingwood's second half demise. Nevertheless, he finished the game with 6 goals, more than anybody else on the ground.
Peter McKenna finally managed to head the VFL's list of goal kicking with 130 goals in 1972, a season which also saw him achieve All Australian selection after booting 19 goals in 3 games at the Perth carnival
1972 Perth Carnival
The 1972 Perth Carnival was the 18th edition of the Australian National Football Carnival, an Australian rules football interstate competition....
. The following year McKenna's total of just 86 goals was sufficient for him to claim pole position on the VFL's list for a second time.
In 1975, McKenna's form began to deteriorate, and after being dropped to the reserves he sustained a serious kidney injury that brought his season, and his Collingwood career, to a sad conclusion. The following year saw him lining up with the Devonport Magpies
Devonport Football Club
Devonport Football Club is an Australian rules football club based in Devonport, Tasmania. The club previously competed in the Northern Tasmanian Football League but from 2009 it joined the newly reformed Tasmanian State League....
in the NWFU. McKenna enjoyed a solid, confidence-boosting season in Tasmania, kicking 79 goals in 17 games.
In 1977, McKenna returned to the mainland for another stint in the VFL. Sadly, at least as far as McKenna was concerned, Collingwood was loath to pay big money for its former star, and with some reluctance he opted to front up with arch-rival Carlton instead. In what was by no means an ignominious comeback, McKenna managed 36 goals in 11 games, but it seemed clear to all parties concerned that he was some way past his best. As a result, he left Carlton, and spent the next three years giving good service to VFA clubs Geelong West
Geelong West Football Club
The Geelong West Football Club are an Australian rules football club which played in the Victorian Football Association from 1963 until 1988. Geelong West, nicknamed the 'Roosters', wore white and red during their time in the association.-History:...
and Northcote
Northcote Football Club
Northcote Football Club, nicknamed The Dragons, was an Australian rules football club which played in the VFA from 1908 until 1987. The club's colours were green and yellow and it was based in the Melbourne suburb of Northcote...
.
Altogether, McKenna's VFL record of 874 goals from 191 games was enough to place him as the league's fourth-highest goalkicker at the time of his retirement, behind only Gordon Coventry
Gordon Coventry
Gordon "Nuts" Coventry was an Australian rules footballer who played for Collingwood Football Club in the Victorian Football League . With 1,299 goals over 18 seasons, Coventry remains one of the greatest full forwards the game has ever seen...
, Doug Wade
Doug Wade
Douglas Graeme Wade is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Geelong Football Club and North Melbourne Football Club....
and Jack Titus
Jack Titus
Jack "Skinny" Titus was an Australian rules football player who played in the Victorian Football League between 1926 and 1943 for the Richmond Football Club. In the golden era of the 1930s, Titus was one of the great forwards who regularly thrilled the crowds with spectacular goalkicking feats...
; as of 2010 he sits ninth all-time. His full senior and representative career yielded 1213 goals.
Career off the football field
At his peak, Peter McKenna could lay claim to being the most popular footballer in the VFL – and, indeed, given the burgeoning impact of the mass media, almost certainly the most popular footballer ever in Australia up to that point. Not only was he a highly successful full forward playing for the nation's most popular sporting club, he possessed a Beatle-esque 'look' which, by the standards of the time, was an adman's dream.During this time, he recorded his first pop single Things to Remember, written by Melbourne singer/songwriter Colin Buckley. This was followed by another single Smile, written by Johnny Young
Johnny Young
Johnny Young is an Australian singer, composer, record producer, disc jockey, television producer and host. Originally from Netherlands, his family settled in Perth, Western Australia in the early 1950s...
.
In 1969, he was a teacher at Fairfield State Primary.
McKenna appeared regularly on television at this time, being Daryl Somers
Daryl Somers
Daryl Paul Somers OAM , is an Australian television personality. The son of a dairy farmer and a cabaret singer, Somers rose to national fame as the host of the long-running comedy-variety program Hey Hey It's Saturday.-Early life:Somers, who has an Irish Catholic heritage, was educated at...
' co-host of Hey Hey It's Saturday
Hey Hey It's Saturday
Hey Hey It's Saturday was a long-running variety television program on Australian television. It initially ran for 27 years , debuting on the Nine Network on 9 October 1971 and broadcasting its last episode on 20 November 1999. Its host throughout its entire run was Daryl Somers, who would later...
for the show's first eight weeks in late 1971, and continuing to appear after Ossie Ostrich
Ossie Ostrich
Ossie Ostrich is an Australian television character, firstly on the Tarax Show, and then on the long-running program Hey Hey It's Saturday which started as a Saturday morning cartoon show for children in 1971. In 1984, he also hosted an after-school children's show called The Ossie Ostrich Video...
had replaced him as co-host. There were also appearances on shows such as Young Talent Time
Young Talent Time
Young Talent Time is an Australian television variety program screened on Network Ten, running from 1971 until 1988. The series features a core group of young performers in the vein of The Mickey Mouse Club, and a weekly junior talent quest. The "Young Talent Team" regularly performed popular...
and Happening '72.
In 1973, he published a book describing his life and career to date, and his thoughts on the VFL and Australian football in general. The book was co-written with Phillip Burfurd and published in the Jack Pollard
Jack Pollard
Jack Ernest Pollard OAM was an Australian sports journalist, writer and cricket historian.-Early life:Born in Sydney, New South Wales on 31 July 1926, Pollard began his journalism career in 1943 as a copy boy at Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper...
Sportsmaster range of titles. My World Of Football was subtitled "The candid, provocative innermost thoughts and technical secrets of an Australian football hero".
After his football career had ended, McKenna began a career commentating football with Channel Seven
Seven Network
The Seven Network is an Australian television network owned by Seven West Media Limited. It dates back to 4 November 1956, when the first stations on the VHF7 frequency were established in Melbourne and Sydney.It is currently the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach...
that lasted into the 1990s. In mid 2004 McKenna began work as a ministerial transport officer (chauffeur
Chauffeur
A chauffeur is a person employed to drive a passenger motor vehicle, especially a luxury vehicle such as a large sedan or limousine.Originally such drivers were always personal servants of the vehicle owner, but now in many cases specialist chauffeur service companies, or individual drivers provide...
) for the Victorian Parliament.
Peter McKenna is married and has 2 adult daughters.
External links
- Profile on fullpointsfooty.net
- 2004 news item
- My World Of Football, Peter McKenna with Phillip Burfurd, 1973.