Dylan McLaren (2001 - 2005)

[Grimreepah]

Pick 9 in the 2000 Pre-Season Draft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_AFL_Draft)

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/7002/dylanmclaren.jpg

Merrett-Murray Medal results:

2001: =30th (2 votes)
2002: 29th (1 vote)
2003: =28th (4 votes)
2004: 21st (28 votes)
2005: =16th (26.5 votes)

Playing honours:

* best clubman (2005)

[Mr Ripper]

Way, way overdue thread, Grim. :p

[Grimreepah]

Stride Sports Management (http://www.stridesports.com.au/index.php?id=187)

Dylan began his career with the Brisbane Lions after being drafted from the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup Competition. He made his debut in 2001 and had notched up 46 games by the end of 2005. Naturally, it was always going to be a challenge breaking into the talent laden Brisbane side of this era, but hard work and persistence paid off and Dylan eventually got his chance.
Dylan was picked up by the Blues in the 2005 pre-season draft at pick number 1.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/4585/dylanmclaren8.jpg

Career statistics (http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/players/D/Dylan_McLaren.html)

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/3020/default.aspx) ....

Overlooked in the 2000 national draft, the emerging big man quit a carpentry apprenticeship in country Victoria to trial with the Lions – a decision that returned immediate dividends when he was taken at number nine in the pre-season draft.

While the Lions missed the finals for the first time since 1998, McLaren's 2005 would have to be considered a success on a personal front. His effervescent personality and work ethic were rewarded with Best Clubman status.

With a handy leap and extra long arms, McLaren is often able to get his hand to the ball first in ruck contests. His reach has also proved valuable in reaching over forwards to fist the ball away when playing in defence.

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/2338/dylanmclaren4.jpg

[Grimreepah]

2004 Qualifying Final (http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/03/1093939150010.html)

Brisbane's heroes were their usual suspects: Black (37 possessions), Lappin (31 possessions) and Brown. Among others. But McLaren was just as important. He barely had a rest, provided just the contest his team needed, and towards the end even started dominating the hitouts.

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/4585/dylanmclaren8.jpg

Would have to be his best game for the Lions. It was the only time I recall being stoked with his output.

[ZoBlitz]

Unfortunately I think he just didn't quite have the height to be a true ruckman. Always tried hard though.

[Grimreepah]

Carlton, Hawks keen on McLaren (http://www.hawkheadquarters.com/article.aspx?articleid=2090)
Written by: Jake Niall
The Age
12/10/2005

Carlton and Hawthorn have expressed interest in recruiting Brisbane Lions ruckman Dylan McLaren in the pre-season draft. St Kilda pursued McLaren during last week's trading period, but was unable to reach a deal with Brisbane. McLaren, 23, is out of contract and weighing up whether he wishes to continue with Brisbane or return to Victoria and establish himself as a ruckman with a less-seasoned team.

While McLaren, recruited from Sale in the 2001 pre-season draft, has not yet proven himself to be a front-line follower, he has demonstrated durability and a competitive ethos in the course of his 46 games with the Lions.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/7302/dylanmclaren6.jpg

[Grimreepah]

2004 Grand Final team:

B: Chris Johnson Mal Michael Martin Pike
HB: Robbie Copeland Justin Leppitsch Chris Scott
C: Brad Scott Michael Voss Jason Akermanis
HF: Luke Power Jonathan Brown Tim Notting
F: Craig McRae Alastair Lynch Daniel Bradshaw
R: Clark Keating Simon Black Nigel Lappin
I/C: Darryl White Richard Hadley
Dylan McLaren Blake Caracella
Emer: Ash McGrath Joel Macdonald Anthony Corrie

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/7002/dylanmclaren.jpg