Damaging Crow David Mackay is confident his best football is still ahead of him as he prepares to play his 100^th game against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium on Saturday.

Mackay, who turned 25 on Thursday, endured an injury-interrupted start to at his AFL career. The skilful onballer battled soft-tissue injuries in his first few seasons at West Lakes, and missed three months in 2011 after having shoulder surgery.

He added three kilograms of muscle in an uninterrupted pre-season leading into 2012. The big summer paid dividends, with Mackay playing 23 of a possible 25 games – his best games tally in a season so far.

“It’s only been in the last 18 months or so that I’ve got to a point where my body can handle the rigours of playing AFL footy week-in and week-out,” Mackay told Channel Crow.

“I’ve had a few long-term problems early in my career and I think I’ve learned from those. I’m confident with my body now.

“In terms of form, I still feel as though I’ve got a long way to go as a player. I feel like my best footy is certainly ahead of me. There have been a few ups and downs over the last year, but overall I feel like I’m heading in the right direction and I’ve made significant inroads in the areas I need to improve in.”

Mackay’s fluctuating form this season saw him return to SANFL club South Adelaide mid-season. It was the first time the dashing utility had been omitted from the Crows team since his debut year. But he accepted the match committee’s decision and responded with a best-on-ground performance for the Panthers.

“It was really challenging, but I had a good discussion with the coaches about what they wanted from me,” Mackay said.

“I tried to look at it as a way of getting back into form. It was tough but these things happen and how you respond is the most important thing.

“You have two options. You can sulk and really let it affect your performance or you can try to improve from it and get back to playing the footy you know you can.”

Mackay was recruited by Adelaide with a third-round pick (No.48 overall) in the 2006 AFL National Draft. The lightly-built teenager went under radar of recruiters to an extent, spending most of the ‘06’ season playing for Trinity Grammar.

“I didn’t have my best year in my top-age year of Under-18s (06). I went to a private school and I had to play a lot of school footy, which meant I didn’t get to play the TAC Cup too much,” he said.

“When I did play, I played for the Oakleigh Charges and we actually managed to win the premiership that year. I was able to play finals with Oakleigh and I think that’s what helped me get drafted in the end. I played four or five finals against the best teams in front of recruiters. They took into account the bigger games, so I was pretty lucky in that sense.

“I was happy to go anywhere in the draft and I was fortunate that the Crows took me when they did.”

A talented junior basketballer, Mackay didn’t decide to focus solely on footy until Under-16s.

“I played basketball as a kid and it was my number one sport until I was 15 or 16, when I realised I wasn’t going to get anywhere in basketball because I was too short … and not good enough either,” he said.

“I played against guys like Scotty Pendlebury (Collingwood) and played with Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide) a fair bit growing up. I remember Scott being virtually unstoppable on a basketball court.

“I love the game, but footy started to take over. The camaraderie and mates that you make is what kept me playing in footy and one of the aspects I love so much about the game.”

Mackay impressed during his first AFL pre-season, but a recurring hamstring injury kept him in rehabilitation for almost the entire year.

“My first year was really difficult. I came over to Adelaide and had a great pre-season, not missing a session but I did my hamstring playing for South Adelaide in Round Three and didn’t play another game after that,” he said.

“The most difficult thing was that I thought I could’ve played AFL in my first year and had an impact. It was a tough year, but I think it helped me grow as a person and to become more resilient.”

Mackay made his debut in Round One of the following season (2008) after an injury to a teammate during the NAB Cup created a vacancy in the team. He lined up alongside Club legend Andrew McLeod, Simon Goodwin and Tyson Edwards.

“That season was a great eye-opener for me, as to what AFL footy as all about. I was playing with some absolute legends of the game and it was great for me to try to learn from them,” he said.

“As a young player just starting his career, you couldn’t ask for better role models.”

At his best, Mackay is neat-kicking ball winner, who breaks the lines with speed and kicks – or sets up – goals.

“It’s what I’ve tried to base my game on and use where I can,” he said.

“Recently, I probably haven’t been able to use that run and carry as much as I would’ve liked. The coaches are really trying to get me to use it where I can and it’s the same for all the guys in our side, who have a bit of leg speed. We need to use it as a weapon.”

Mackay signed with the Crows for a further three years last season. Although proud of his 100-game milestone, Mackay says his goal is to achieve team success with Adelaide.

“It’s hard enough to play one game, so to get to 100 … when I look back on it when my career is all done and dusted I’ll be pretty proud,” he said.

“I’ve never had any thoughts of moving back home or going anywhere else. I’ve loved it ever since the day I got here. I love the people. I love the Club and I just want to have success here with my footy.”