Now, McLean follows an eerily similar trajectory at local level, exchanging Goulburn Valley League club Shepparton United’s jumper to don the blue of Tongala in Murray Football Netball League next season.
The 35-year-old played eight games with the Demons in 2021, establishing himself as a senior pillar of the side.
The former #5 pick will call Tongala Reserve home next year, however, with the club announcing McLean’s signing on Thursday.
“The TFNC family is excited to announce the signing of ex-AFL player Brock McLean,” a club statement read.
“In addition to Brock’s vast experience and football knowledge, his leadership qualities both on and off the field will be a huge asset to our club.
“Brock’s decorated AFL career includes 94 games with Melbourne and 63 with Carlton and since finishing AFL he has had continued success.
“We welcome Brock, fiancée Stephanie and family to our club and look forward to catching up in the pre-season.”
The 157-game AFL midfielder brings a swag of professional experience and a decorated local football resumé to the unbeaten Blues.
Drafted by Melbourne with pick #5 in the 2003 national draft, McLean went on to play 94 games with the Dees before being traded to Carlton.
Delisted by the Blues at the end of 2014, McLean joined Essendon district league powerhouse Aberfeldie and played a core role in the club’s undefeated 2015 premiership year.
His move to Eastern Football Netball League club Doncaster East in 2016 yielded back-to-back flags with the Lions in 2018 and 2019, as well as Division 2 team of the year honours in 2017 and 2018.
McLean’s addition to Tongala’s all-conquering — and unchanged — 2021 outfit has the flag favourites tag fixed emphatically on the Blues — if it wasn’t already.
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