Mackie started his football with a local Fitzroy club called Rainbow. In 1890 he was given an opportunity with Carlton, and did well enough that he was taken on that club's trip to Sydney in 1890. But after just six senior games in two seasons at Princes Park, he transferred to Collingwood in the Magpies' first season. He made his debut in Round 2 against Footscray, named at full-forward, but managed to spray his only shot on goal out of bounds and wasn't seen again that year, returning instead to Rainbow.

It's worth noting there is increasing evidence that Mr Mackie's first initial might actually be 'A' rather than 'G'. He appeared as 'G Mackie' in the Carlton team photo for the trip to Sydney in 1890. But a media report around the same time listed him as "A Mackie'. And while there are a number of references to Mackie playing with Rainbow in 1888-90, any of those that use an initial use the letter 'A'. An A Mackie appeared on both Rainbow's general committee and match committee, as well as being noted in some match reports.

There is also a Mackie who played for Rainbow against Collingwood in an 1893 pre-season match. We now think this is likely to be our 1892 player.

- Michael Roberts