The Blues won 14.8.(92) to the Eagles 12.17.(89).
McLean says that Wiley offered him pivotal advice at a crucial time.
"That's where it's good having Rob Wiley on the bench," McLean said.
"I went to him at about the 10 minute mark and asked him where we were going wrong? And he said we're just not working hard enough.
"So I went out on the ground and tried to get amongst a few of the boys and said listen, let's get our work-rate up."
McLean who celebrated his 50th game for Carlton on Saturday night, praised young-guns Dylan Buckley and Troy Menzel for their efforts.
The Carlton midfielder says the Blues thrilling three-point win was a great experience for the junior players.
"You can't really put it in words what it will do for these blokes," McLean said.
You saw Bucks (Dylan Buckley) at the end of the game and how excited he was. I think that was his first win for the club, and Menze (Troy Menzel) coming in as a sub and having the impact that he did – that can only hold him in good stead."
The result marks Carlton's second win for the season, after what was a tough start to the year.
McLean says even though the first few rounds were tough, his team has remained focused on the task at hand.
"We just had to keep working hard. It might not turn around like that, but it will eventually turn," McLean said.
"Now it's two in a row and we've got a chance against Collingwood next week."
