By JARROD POTTER
ONLY a couple of days into his AFL career, Narre Warren footballer Toby Mclean is already loving his time at the Whitten Oval.
Mclean, 18, from Narre Warren, has hit the gym and track pretty intently following his first week at Whitten Oval as an AFL footballer.
The former Oakleigh Chargers/Narre Warren/Narre North Foxes JFC midfielder was selected by the Western Bulldogs in last Thursday’s AFL National Draft.
Mclean’s family started the canine antics last week as they watched the draft telecast.
Once his name was dropped, they immediately jumped on Mclean to start an all-in dog pile following his selection at pick 26 to the Victorian-based club.
“I was a bit shocked to hear it called that early,” Mclean said.
“But I was… ‘relieved’ I think is the main word I’d use.
“Was just at home with a few friends and family and they all jumped me when they heard my name called out, so they were really excited.
“It’s a really good result to stay in Victoria – mum (Heather) was happier than anyone and didn’t have to see me go too far.”
The club kept its cards closely guarded concerning their first pick – choosing to speak to Mclean after the National Combine in the lead up to the draft – but now that he’s a Bulldog Mclean is pleased to be part of a younger, new-look squad.
“They (Western Bulldogs) left it a bit late; they didn’t talk to me until after the combine a few weeks before the draft,” Mclean said.
“It’s been a bit overwhelming but they’ve been really good to ease us in to it.
“Not a lot of training like the rest of the boys, but they’ve made us feel welcome – it’s a young group so they’ve made us really feel a part of it out here.”
Mclean is the first to admit he wants to pile some muscle on and work on his endurance – which bode as good signs for the new recruit ahead of his first AFL preseason.
“Definitely get more fit and get a bit of size… I’m a bit skinny at the moment,” Mclean said.
The Western Bulldogs kick off their 2015 campaign with a NAB Challenge match against Richmond on Saturday 28 February.
