By JARROD POTTER
WHILE it wasn’t a big debut in statistical terms, becoming an AFL footballer was amazing enough for Narre Warren alumnus Toby Mclean.
While he expected a long apprenticeship in the VFL with Western Bulldogs affiliate Footscray, the wait for the young spring-heel was dramatically shorter than planned.
Mclean, 19, burst his way into the AFL line-up after a litany of strong performances in the VFL earned him a rapid promotion into the big kennel.
His best afield effort against Frankston last round – accruing 24 possessions, seven tackles and a goal – was the final push needed to get onto Western Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge’s radar and he was told the good news on Thursday.
“After our main session on Thursday, Bevo (Beveridge) brought me into his office and said ‘congratulations you’re playing your first game this week’,” Mclean said.
“I was a bit surprised – I didn’t think I would get my opportunity this early in the year, so I was excited as well, but more surprised than anything.”
In front of 41,000 Power fans – and a handful of the Doggies’ faithful making the trip interstate – Mclean had to bide his time on the sidelines at Adelaide Oval waiting to stride out and begin his AFL career in earnest.
He was given the dreaded substitute’s green vest in his debut match, but last year’s pick 26 in the AFL National Draft got his chance in the third term, as he replaced Tom Boyd.
“It was pretty good that I finally got a go,” Mclean said.
“I was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been, just sitting on the bench for two and a bit quarters and finally getting out there was pretty amazing.”
He did what he could in that limited window – picking up five possessions in a quarter and a half – and while it was quickly over for Mclean, he vividly remembers the rush of getting that first possession in the big leagues.
“You don’t really notice things that happen until after the game when you get to reflect on it,” Mclean said.
“Things happen pretty quickly but it was just awesome to get my first touch – I was pretty happy.”
Mclean’s Dogs weren’t able to match pace with Port Adelaide in the last term, eventually downed by 38 points after three quarters of tight, contested footy.
“It was obviously disappointing to get the loss, but just knowing what has to be done to win a game of football,” Mclean said.
“The standard obviously lifts from VFL – it’s a heap faster and there are a lot of bigger bodies.”
He made a seamless transition from TAC Cup duties with Oakleigh Chargers up into the VFL and has relished his short time in senior footy so far.
“I’ve liked it (VFL),” Mclean said.
“I think I’m improving my game every week which helps and the team is going alright as well, we’ve had a few wins as well.
“I don’t mind the VFL – it’s a good standard of footy.”
Hopefully the young forward can retain his spot once the Dogs return from the bye at both AFL and VFL level.
