But his role at full back hasn't gone unnoticed.

Rebels region manager Phil Partington was glowing in his praise of the Minyip-Murtoa teenager, highlighting his determination and leadership.

"We are very happy with the way Tim has developed," he said.

"We believe he is the premier full back in the competition at the moment.

"He's not getting goals kicked on him. He is a very good player and one of the catalysts in our back line.

"He's a big, strong lad and against other players he holds his own."

Partington said Mackenzie had improved his kicking this season, adding another string to his bow.

"There was a flaw in his decision-making last year but he's worked hard in the pre-season and throughout the year on his kicking," he said.

Mackenzie said he was happy with his season to date which has coincided with North Ballarat Rebels sitting on top of the ladder after 13 rounds.

The 191-centimetre and 86-kilogram defender played on AFL number one draft pick Jonathon Patton last year.

"This year we've got a good team so there is not as much pressure," Mackenzie said. "We are hoping to go as far as we can. But it's hard to tell what other teams are doing."

Of their remaining four home and away matches, Mackenzie said there were two particularly tough assignments.

"We lost to Dandenong earlier in the year so that will be a good test and Calder Cannons have good players," he said.

Mackenzie, 18, moved to Ballarat when he was in year 10.

He finished his schooling at St Patrick's College last year and now works there doing a sports traineeship.

As for his dream of making the AFL, Mackenzie tries not to think about it.

"I will see how this year goes. I've deferred a course in Adelaide and if nothing happens this year I will go to Adelaide," he said. "I am hoping for the best but I am not expecting anything big."