Carlton has exchanged its first round selection, number 11 overall, in return for the Demon’s midfielder who was recruited to Melbourne from the Calder Cannons with a first round selection, number five overall, in the 2003 National Draft. McLean has played 94 games for Melbourne since making his AFL debut in 2004 and had been discussed in the media as a future leader of the club.
Carlton General Manager Football Operations was pleased the deal had been completed and believes McLean will be a wonderful acquisition to the Blues midfield.
“Brock is a quality midfielder and at just 23 years of age he has certainly displayed leadership qualities that will benefit our young team. Importantly he plays an inside game that will provide great support for our running players.”
“It is a great reflection on where this Club is heading to know that such a quality young player is keen to join Carlton,” Icke added.
McLean played under Brett Ratten who was an assistant coach at Melbourne for one season and he also played under Carlton Assistant Coach Mark Riley who was an Assistant Coach and then caretaker coach at the Demons. Ratten was pleased the deal had been completed on day one of the Exchange Period.
“Brock is still a young player , importantly he has wonderful experience, playing nearly 100 AFL games and this experience will assist our playing group. He has proven to be a quality midfielder and being a close-in player I am sure Judd, Murphy, Gibbs, Simpson and the like will benefit from his ability to get the ball out to them,” Ratten said.
McLean is currently in the USA on and end of season vacation and is expected to catch up with some of his new Carlton team-mates while overseas.
