Ian McLean
Melbourne
AFL career
146 games29 goals
- Debut
- R1 1951 v ESS21 Apr 1951
- Most recent
- R7 1960 v ESS4 June 1960
Stats
Bio
Recruited from South Bendigo, Ian McLean was a dashing winger who became a vital but often underrated component of Melbourne's golden era under Norm Smith. After initially playing on match permits and fighting to establish himself in the senior side, he cemented his spot by 1954, earning Victorian state selection that same year. Renowned for his courage, reflex speed, and smooth ball handling, McLean was the definition of a big-game player, featuring in five Grand Finals in six years.
His legacy is defined by his reliability during the Demons' dynasty, playing a crucial role in the 1955, 1957, and 1959 premiership victories. While teammates like Ron Barassi often garnered the headlines, McLean was a quiet achiever who performed best when the contest was hottest. He retired midway through the 1960 season to pursue a television commentary role with Channel 7, having earned life membership for his service. Tragically, he passed away just five years later at the age of 35, leaving behind a reputation as one of the most spirited wingmen in the club's history.
Profile
- Born
- 27 Aug 1929
- Died
- 23 Mar 1965 (aged 35y 208d)
- Birthplace
- Bendigo, VIC
- Deathplace
- Chadstone, VIC
- Height
- 175 cm
- Weight
- 71 kg
Teams
Honours
- Premiership(3×) 1955, 1957, 1959
- Melbourne B&F
- 3rd
- 1958
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from South Bendigo, Ian McLean was a dashing winger who became a vital but often underrated component of Melbourne's golden era under Norm Smith. After initially playing on match permits and fighting to establish himself in the senior side, he cemented his spot by 1954, earning Victorian state selection that same year. Renowned for his courage, reflex speed, and smooth ball handling, McLean was the definition of a big-game player, featuring in five Grand Finals in six years.
His legacy is defined by his reliability during the Demons' dynasty, playing a crucial role in the 1955, 1957, and 1959 premiership victories. While teammates like Ron Barassi often garnered the headlines, McLean was a quiet achiever who performed best when the contest was hottest. He retired midway through the 1960 season to pursue a television commentary role with Channel 7, having earned life membership for his service. Tragically, he passed away just five years later at the age of 35, leaving behind a reputation as one of the most spirited wingmen in the club's history.