McLean’s AFL Breakthrough: A Testament to Resilience and VFL Prowess
Sydney Swans forward Hayden McLean is proving that perseverance truly pays off. For a significant portion of the current season, McLean has been a dominant force in the VFL, showcasing his scoring prowess with an impressive 20 goals in just seven games. Despite this stellar form at the lower level, consistently securing a spot in the Swans’ formidable AFL forward line, featuring talents like Charlie Curnow, Logan McDonald, and Joel Amartey, has remained a challenge.
McLean endured an eight-round wait for his first taste of AFL action this season. When he finally got his opportunity against North Melbourne, he made an immediate impact, booting three goals. However, he was subsequently returned to the VFL for two matches. His persistence was rewarded on Saturday, when, in his 100th AFL game, he delivered a standout performance against Richmond, scoring four goals. McLean is diligently fulfilling every expectation placed upon him, yet he still faces uncertainty regarding his selection for the upcoming Sunday clash against St Kilda.
Reflecting on the recent game, McLean candidly admitted that coach Dean Cox found the decision to drop him after his strong performance against North Melbourne a difficult one. McLean even brought his close friend and teammate, Isaac Heeney, into the feedback session with Cox. While not entirely satisfied, McLean left the meeting with an unwavering determination to continue his impressive run of form.
“There have been a lot of honest conversations throughout the week with Coxy,” McLean shared. “He’s been open and honest with me. He mentioned that it was probably one of the hardest decisions he’s had to make, dropping me after the North Melbourne game. I know I just have to keep trying to knock the door down.”
Against a young and somewhat inexperienced Richmond side, McLean didn’t just knock on the door; he kicked it clean off its hinges. Adding to his offensive contribution, he also registered six hit-outs while filling in as a stand-in ruckman. This versatility saw him providing crucial relief at stoppages to Peter Ladhams, a fellow Swan who intimately understands the waiting game at the club.
Ladhams and McLean: A Shared Journey of Patience
Similar to McLean, Ladhams has been a standout performer in the VFL. However, his path to consistent AFL selection has been significantly impacted by the presence of one of the game’s premier players, Brodie Grundy. Ladhams finally earned his chance to play his first AFL game of the season against Richmond when Grundy was rested, and he seized the opportunity with both hands. McLean noted that their shared experiences this season have forged a stronger bond between them.
“I think this year we’ve really leaned on each other a lot, and I’ve actually learned a great deal from him,” McLean commented. “I actually really enjoy playing in the ruck. I love playing forward, but sometimes you can go into the midfield and control your own possessions, really get stuck in there, and try to be another midfielder. That physical aspect of the game, I genuinely enjoy it. I think it’s something I like to bring to my position and my difference up forward.”
McLean added, “It’s about controlling what you can for the team and trying to have fun. At the end of the day, we’re a winning club and a great club, so you have to take what you can sometimes.”
Cox’s Praise and Future Outlook
Coach Dean Cox lauded both Ladhams and McLean for their exemplary patience. However, he also expressed his belief that both players will be increasingly vital as the season progresses and the Swans face more significant challenges.
“At the start of the year, we spoke about football seasons being long and requiring everyone involved in the squad to achieve our goals,” Cox stated. “It’s probably easier said than done, but to their credit, both of those players, Ladhams and McLean, have displayed unbelievable attitudes towards the team and what’s needed. The challenging part is maintaining honesty with them. They’ve absorbed that feedback, gone back to the VFL and played exceptionally well, and then when they get their AFL opportunity, they are ready to perform.”
