Player Watch #2 Hayden McLean - re-signed end 2027

[Kennedy Parker]

Hayden McLean

Player Profile
Pre-season supplementary list rules allowed the Sydney Swans to sign Hayden McLean in March 2019, and while injury ruled out the key-position player for seven of the first 10 NEAFL games of the season, he’d respond in commanding fashion. The former Sandringham Dragons skipper made his AFL debut as Sydney met Fremantle in Round 18, 2019, which saw him battle imposing ruck trio Aaron Sandilands, Sean Darcy and Rory Lobb, as well as a parochial Optus Stadium crowd. Coach John Longmire praised McLean’s debut performance and he finished the season with four AFL games beside his name. The 197-centimetre, 93-kilogram giant is chasing consistent AFL selection in 2020. Draft history: 2019 pre-season supplementary rookie selection

Hayden McLean

2

Hayden Mclean

Age

25

Ht

197cm

Wt

99kg

Pos.

F/R

Career

Season

Last 5

D

9.1

2star

K

5.1

2star

HB

4.0

3star

M

2.6

3star

T

4.0

5star

G

0.4

3star

D

7.5

2star

K

4.5

2star

HB

3.0

2star

M

2.3

2star

T

3.3

4star

G

0.8

4star

D

10.0

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

4.6

4star

M

3.0

3star

T

4.4

5star

G

0.2

3star

DOB:20 January 1999
DRAFT:2018
RECRUITED FROM: Beaumaris (Vic)/St Bede's Coll (Vic)/ Sand U18/Sand (VFL)

Hayden McLean | AFL

Follow Hayden McLean's progress through AFL

www.sydneyswans.com.au

 

[Wheresbuddy]

Surely this is Bud's last year and I wouldn't be surprised if it's Reid and Hickey's last as well. Moving forward, we need at least 2 of McDonald, McLean, Amartey and Ladhams to become reliable best 22.

I am hopeful that in 12 months time that there will be a smooth transition to Ladhams as number one ruck and McDonald entrenched as CHF, capable of 2-3 goals a game. If one of Amartey or McLean is a clear lock for the forward line then that will be a bonus.

 

[rustycrate]

Surely this is Bud's last year and I wouldn't be surprised if it's Reid and Hickey's last as well. Moving forward, we need at least 2 of McDonald, McLean, Amartey and Ladhams to become reliable best 22.

I am hopeful that in 12 months time that there will be a smooth transition to Ladhams as number one ruck and McDonald entrenched as CHF, capable of 2-3 goals a game. If one of Amartey or McLean is a clear lock for the forward line then that will be a bonus.

Unless we land another KPF on a big deal. We can do it!!

 

[Wheresbuddy]

Unless we land another KPF on a big deal. We can do it!!

Who do you have in mind? Would either King be available?

 

[rustycrate]

Who do you have in mind? Would either King be available?

Swans would have already had the feelers out. Waving Buddy cash around. It's someone.

 

[Dubai Quacker]

Swans would have already had the feelers out. Waving Buddy cash around. It's someone.

Joe Daniher

 

[Kolah]

Really liked C88s analysis. I would just like to emphasise a few points

* like the more talented McDonald, McLean has a heap of footy smarts. You can see it with his positioning and deft taps.

* he is as brave as anyone - in his first ruck contest in his debut, he copped a driving knee into the ribs. He dusted himself off without any evident fuss and kept on keeping on. He won me from that point.

* when he started he had zero tank and was gassed by half time. He has worked like billyo since to become a respectable endurance runner. I am not a huge stats fan but in 2021 there were a couple of games where he covered the most kilometres for our team

* his work ethic to get better.

* When he wins a set shot from a mark or very rare free, I relax. He rarely misses.

Agree with all that but he’s lumbering, not great below the knees and has the turning circle of an aircraft carrier. Still, I’d have said the same about Nankervis, so what do I know!


On iPad using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Ed_Gein]

Fair to say I'm not his biggest fan, but I have to take my hat off to him today as I think that was probably his best game for the club? Can't think of any better. Gave it a solid go in the ruck and around the ground as well as taking a few solid marks. Great goal as well!

 

[The King!]

He was very good as the ruckman actually

 

[caesar88]

Proud of the big fella

 

[Millky95]

The guy is a tap ruckman in a key forward's body

 

[Troystenvic]

Massive upgrade on Lads. Was good to see a ruck win it from the middle only for the forwards to undo the hard work of the mids.

 

[MR0808]

The clearances seemed more watchable with McLean in there today

 

[caesar88]

Much discussion about what is acceptable aggression and what is not. This moment - McLean bowling over a Collingwood player, showing absolutely no regard for him afterwards, and then casually continuing on with his goal celebration - is just the ******* best.

 

[MR0808]

Much discussion about what is acceptable aggression and what is not. This moment - McLean bowling over a Collingwood player, showing absolutely no regard for him afterwards, and then casually continuing on with his goal celebration - is just the ******* best.

View attachment 1682427

Surprised that wasn't given a free

 

[caesar88]

Surprised that wasn't given a free

Was clearly just accidental contact. All McLean did was make sure to give him a good shove just for good measure. Loved it.

 

[Citrus22]

Becoming a more than handy 2nd ruck, his strength in the contest is a real advantage. Loved seeing Goldstein panic in the last 30 seconds and give away the free for a block.

 

[SeanM]

Good all round game. Took some contested marks early and also set up goals for Franklin. Then last quarter his ruck work was important.

 

[caesar88]

Having an absolute red hot crack atm in trying circumstances. Pretty proud of him

 

[Dan87]

Looking like a guy with a future

 

[MF]

Having an absolute red hot crack atm in trying circumstances. Pretty proud of him

Just feel bad he wasn't blessed with the athleticism required for the modern game. He has the skills and the heart.

 

[monopoly19]

Pretty much the only upside of this current injury crisis amongst our talls is seeing McLean grow in confidence from the consistent game time. He also looked more agile at times today. Love what he’s doing.

 

[The King!]

looking more agile, ruckwork improved too

 

[Dubai Quacker]

McLean’s ruck work the past couple of weeks has been very good.

I actually think he turned the tide for us in the last quarter - the clearance massacre stopped once he started rucking. No idea why Horse didn’t use him there much earlier.

I still view him as having a limited ceiling - but credit for a fine game today.

 

[Nuggetz]

McLean’s ruck work the past couple of weeks has been very good.

I actually think he turned the tide for us in the last quarter - the clearance massacre stopped once he started rucking. No idea why Horse didn’t use him there much earlier.

I still view him as having a limited ceiling - but credit for a fine game today.

He can play a role in the right forward set up & play that role pretty consistently imo

 

[Grand Uncle Horace]

I am a sucker for blue collar players who give their all.

I should not have favourites but I liked this bloke from his first game.