Michael McLean (footballer)
| Michael McLean | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Michael McLean | ||
| Date of birth | 3 March 1965 | ||
| Original team(s) | Nightcliff (NTFL) | ||
| Height | 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) | ||
| Weight | 84 kg (185 lb) | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1983–1989 | Footscray | 95 (23) | |
| 1991–1996 | Brisbane Bears | 87 (17) | |
| 1997 | Brisbane Lions | 1 (0) | |
| Total | 183 (40) | ||
| Coaching career3 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (W–L–D) | |
| 2003–2007 | Indigenous All-Stars | (2–1–0) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1997.
3 Coaching statistics correct as of 2007.
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| Career highlights | |||
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| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Michael "Magic" McLean (born 3 March 1965) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Footscray Football Club, Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League (AFL).
McLean was born and raised in the Northern Territory and played both rugby league and Australian football at junior levels. His father, from Queensland pushed for Michael at fifteen years of age to pursue a career in rugby league, however, he decided to continue playing Australian football.
McLean played his first senior league with the Nightcliff rugby league club but also played Australian football for the Nightcliff Football Club in the Northern Territory Football League where he was eventually scouted by the Footscray Football Club to play professionally.
McLean moved to Victoria and debuted for Footscray in 1983. He became known as a skilful winger who went on to play 95 games and boot 23 goals with the Bulldogs before he suffered an ankle and calf injuries that hampered his career. In response to his injuries, McLean focused on building his lean body to become one of the strongest physiques in the competition.
The Bulldogs gave McLean the boot, before he was picked up in the 1991 pre-season draft as the first overall pick for the Brisbane Bears. He resurrected his career, winning the 1991 and 1993 best and fairest award at the Bears. He went on to play 87 games and kick 17 goals with the Bears, before playing the first game in 1997 with the newly merged Brisbane Lions before constant calf injury struck him down, forcing his retirement.
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