Same Terry Butcher who couldn't make the grade at Sydney FC?
Nobody suggested Butcher was a class footballer. He was never going to play 40 yard pinpoint passes or play the ball out of defence. He was a stopper in the Norman Hunter stylee. It may be the beautiful game, but you also need some muscle. Australia requires fitness, pace and a little bit of flair. An old fashioned English centre back would never appeal to foreign coaches.
However, in league 2 with 2 or 3 ball playing youngsters in your defence, somebodies got to provide blood sweat and tears. Playing Brent longside Mackie will give the Bees strength and poise.
As a leader, Mackie will set a example to the youngsters. Trust me, they will be going for those 50-50s. Mackies the sort of guy who'll put you up against the dressing room wall if you contiually bottle out of tackles. He'll also continue to play if his leg is hanging off (and, yes, it probably will make no difference to his game!).