McLean was already established in the NRL but in 2017 he announced himself as one of the game’s most powerful props.
He was a true beast carrying the ball, leading Storm in post contact metres with 46.7 per game and averaging more than 10 metres with each carry.
Opponents clearly knew the threat of McLean as he was tackled by three or more players 63 per cent of the time, the sixth highest percentage of any player in the NRL. That did little to contain him though as he led Storm for play the ball speed throughout the season.
It was not only with the football but without it that McLean proved invaluable. In defence he stuck 94 per cent of his tackles, the best of any player at Storm and inside the top 10 of the competition.
McLean’s dominance was recognised with a call up as 18th man for both Australia and NSW before earning a spot in the 2017 Kangaroos World Cup squad.
It is disappointing that he will depart the Club just as he is hitting his prime, however it cannot be denied that the 26-year-old has given his all to Melbourne over the last nine years.
A premiership ring in his final game was a fitting reward for a player who has well and truly grown up in the purple jersey.
Games played |
Tackles |
Runs |
Run metres |
Tackle busts |
20 |
446 |
201 |
2104 |
30 |
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