Coach Matt Dunn praised the pair who he said had added much-needed reliability and stability in the back line which had helped the Roos make a late charge towards Hampden league finals.

Both players had to overcome their share of challenges to become the ‘twin towers’ in defence.

McIntosh, 31, admitted that after a couple of seasons in the Horsham and District league with Harrow-Balmoral, and due to his age, he had to work hard for his spot.

"I honestly thought I might sneak a senior game in every so often with injuries leaving a vacancy," he said.

"I tried to do as much of the pre-season as possible, getting to probably 80 per cent of it and I was happy with that. But I was carrying a few extra kilos which wasn’t helping.

"It probably took me a few weeks in the seniors to really catch up to the pace of it again because with the district footy you might play one or two really competitive games in the first half of the year.”

The former Port Fairy utility said he felt he plenty to offer on-field, not just with his playing ability.

McIntosh explained he had tried to use his experience and leadership to help guide his young developing teammates.

"I’ve never been the quickest bloke, so I probably pride myself of organisng blokes on the ground and having a fairly good knowledge of reading the play," he said.

"Endurance isn’t my greatest strength so I find having that experience and knowledge counteracts that. My role is to try and steer the young blokes in the right direction, be positive and keep moral up on field.

"Sometimes I know myself I can be a little harsh and speak with some truth and not all players like that and that’s something I probably have to try and adjust. 

“It’s the way I learnt and I think it helped me along my journey, being constructive is the key."

McIntosh has received plenty of support from Hickey, the Kangaroos’ other mainstay in the back line.

The former Camperdown co-captain has had a cruel run with injuries during his first two seasons at Melville Oval, keeping him out of action for a majority of both seasons.

Hickey said he felt he was slowly contributing the way he wanted to.

"It was very frustrating and has taken a while to get back in the swing of things again but I am slowly getting there and my fitness is still coming," he said.

"But I am enjoying being back playing footy in general. It had been a while on the sidelines so it’s good to be back contributing to a degree."

The defensive duo is keen to lead the Kangaroos to their fifth victory when they take on Camperdown on Saturday.