2009 Player Review - # 5 Brock McLean

[Demonland 73,140]

Brock McLean – Although he had some really good games, Brock was down from his normal standards. That was due to an interrupted pre-season – he wasn't able to get the miles in his legs before Christmas – and I reckon it took its toll on him. We all know what a good stoppage player he is and what damage he can do in the midfield, so to give Brock every chance, we're going to make sure we get him right for pre-season. We've got no doubt he'll bounce back to his best - Sean Wellman

[e25 5]

Injuries, limited preseason, still produced in most games, though not up to his usual standard = still very much a required player.

Will grow from this and have a BIG 2010

Edited September 19, 2009 by Demonland

[#MYHEARTBEATSTRUE 27]

Righto, Brock had a very disappointing year, he was not fit as the injuries took there toll on him, watch out for a fit and firing Brock McLean in 2010, also would anyone else like to see him kick more goals?

i think that is a area of his game that he could improve on....

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

I'm worried. How bad coupld his injury have been if he played as many games, and as much ground time as he did? He was fit (in the sense that he ran out games) so it was a structural problem. Is it a chronic one? I feel like a chronic ankle (from a couple of seasons ago) would be a very good reason and excuse... Except for the fact that that's bad news. Will it ever heal? Will he get back to being more than a wet-weather player? If it can happen to Ball, it can happen to Brock.

[Rogue 585]

McLean's so under-valued on here right now.

[Jerry Lundergard 420]

Although Luke Ball played in last nights final, i feel Brock may be destined for a similar fate in regards to Ball's season this year.

With the possible inclusion of 2 more elite mids this year, and the ever increasing speed of the game, next year will be a telling year for Brock.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

McLean's so under-valued on here right now.

I'd take Valenti over McLean.

[H_T 3,049]

I'd take Valenti over McLean.

You'd what?

Severely undervalued, Rogue.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

You'd what?

Slight exaggeration, I just hope that McLean really wasn't fully fit because if Valenti is considered slow then McLean was crawling.

[deanox 9,989]

Brock mclean hasnt lived up to the hype. after bursting onto the scene as a young promising high draft pick we all expected him to be our star. unfortunately, star he hasnt been, although he has been a regularl contributer.

the big question with brock is, do we believe him to be a good solid player who will produce the same each week or do we think he is a potential star hampered by injury?

perhaps its a little of each. in his early days at the mfc, he showed a lot more RE disposal, especially long kicking and goals ie 50-60 m out. in the last 2 seasons this hasnt been evident. perhaps if he could get this aspect of his game back on track everyone would be much more willing to accept his current form (plus the goals and long kicking).

hopefully an injuy free preseason can sort out brocks issues and he can take the next step and grab some games by the scruff of the neck. having some better finishes and outside players around him may allow him to excell as he might not be depended on or expected to perform outside as highly (he is clearly a better inside player).

nonetheless he is an inside player who has shown he has polish and that he can finish off with good disposal in the past, so hopefully he can step back up to that level.

[Guest Rojik of the Arctic]

Brock mclean hasnt lived up to the hype. after bursting onto the scene as a young promising high draft pick we all expected him to be our star. unfortunately, star he hasnt been, although he has been a regularl contributer.

the big question with brock is, do we believe him to be a good solid player who will produce the same each week or do we think he is a potential star hampered by injury?

I don't expect a lot from that draft. Our bad luck to be there in the wrong year. A good, solid mid who every now and again has a blinder is good enough for me. Brock is a good player who will look better with a bit of quality around him. A bit of a Diesel maybe unless the game has passed those sorts by.

[waynewussell 6,241]

Brock was never a guy to kick a goal from over 50 m out, unless it bounced a few times! His main problem at the moment is a severe lack of pace. He is still able to kick a goal from close range stoppages, and he can still get the ball out by hand from the centre. If the lack of pace is injury driven and able to be sorted, he is a keep. If he can only play at 2009 standard for the rest of his career then he is ripe for a trade. The coach should have a fair idea.

[beelzebub 23,383]

McLean's so under-valued on here right now.

Id say he's valued at exactly where he is at !! Its up to him to convince that we're wrong. He's back in the has potential brigade...and he shoud be much further along than that

[45HG 1,559]

I can't believe what he's coping on here lately.

[Rogue 585]

I'd take Valenti over McLean.

I rest my case.

Id say he's valued at exactly where he is at !!

If I was an opposition recruiter I'd happily take McLean from you based on Demonland's rating of him (which is according to you, 'at exactly where he is at').

[rpfc 28,779]

Nothing spectacular, but a solid season never-the-less.

He will never be the dynamic mid, but if he can clean up his disposal and have more run in his legs, he will be a very good accumulator of valuable possessions.

Might not be as good, but much in the style of Lenny Hayes.

[Carlos Danger 380]

I think a massive pre-season will be clearly evident in round 1, much like with Davey this year.

[Wolfmother 182]

Gees he didn't have a good season but was second in the bluey last year with half a season and the ankle injury has taken its toll....

I can't believe people on here saying can't kick a goal from 50 or his kicking is poor... When we had a fwd line he was the best kick to neitz in the whole team. He was able to take off the speed of the ball, kicking lace out to his chest... A good preseason and a decent forward structure (don't get me started with people thinking jurrah is the answer to our prayers... he will be a great fwd but isn't a focal point it needs to be Watts and Miller/Newton or pick 18 (and thats why we are in trouble)

Look at Sylvia this year.... without injuries he started to dominate... although the ball and mclean comprasion is an interesting one, I think brock and beamer are our two standout midfielders and although scully and trengove coming they won't knock both of these guys off easily....

[Rogue 585]

Gees he didn't have a good season but was second in the bluey last year with half a season

Indeed - something quickly forgotten by some. Apparently the game had 'passed him by' after that half-season lay-off.

I agree with you re: key forwards too.

[beelzebub 23,383]

If I was an opposition recruiter I'd happily take McLean from you based on Demonland's rating of him (which is according to you, 'at exactly where he is at').

What would you offer as a trade...out of curiosity ?..just play along..

Gees he didn't have a good season but was second in the bluey last year with half a season and the ankle injury has taken its toll....

Does it not occur that this is far more a damning comment as to the state of our team last year ??

Reality.. Brock McLean is a favourite son.. this doesnt always equate to realised potential etc.

Many need to take off their parochially rose glasses and see some players for exactly as they are.

Now...what he could be !!! well we'll just have to keep waiting again it seems.

Personally im a bit over it....the waiting.

[Jaded No More 68,974]

Short memories... very very short memories.

I want to see how McLean performs when he isn't getting jabbed in his kicking foot before every game, and when he has been able to do a bit of running in the 6 months prior to the season.

By the way, he is TWENTY THREE for goodness sake.

[jacey 333]

Gees he didn't have a good season but was second in the bluey last year with half a season and the ankle injury has taken its toll....

I can't believe people on here saying can't kick a goal from 50 or his kicking is poor... When we had a fwd line he was the best kick to neitz in the whole team. He was able to take off the speed of the ball, kicking lace out to his chest... A good preseason and a decent forward structure

Look at Sylvia this year.... without injuries he started to dominate... although the ball and mclean comprasion is an interesting one, I think brock and beamer are our two standout midfielders and although scully and trengove coming they won't knock both of these guys off easily....

Absolutely agree. For whatever reason, he has had a down year but that doesn't mean he's a hack and should be sold for a can of coke and a day old dim sim. Talk about posters being jumpers.

He is a great field kick, is a good set shot, good stoppage player and links up well. Teams don't target Mclean and send Ling, Shirley, Kornes for fun. I agree, Mclean can learn a lot about Lenny. He might not reach Lenny's game but IMO he won't be far.

[beelzebub 23,383]

what is....IS

He , McLean may be avery talented player.. but if hes unable to produce his best for any of a number of reasons than thats what results. Thats what we get. You canoffer up any number of reasons/excuses, they being extenuating or otherwise but if he cant play to his best level then why cant many acknowledge that as the reality we have.

There is not a lost of sense in suggesting he 'may' be this...or he 'was' that... etc. If he is being crueled by injury then again, that is exaclty what we get, a player unable to perform at his best and ought we as a club be quite satisfied with that ?

All the if-only's in the world dont a top midfielder make !

If he can overcome his ailments and get a good preseason under his belt and not only get back to somewhere near his previous but I should suggest surpass that then he will be invaluable.

If he cant... he will be superceded. Thats life

[Guest straussski]

what is....IS

He , McLean may be avery talented player.. but if hes unable to produce his best for any of a number of reasons than thats what results. Thats what we get. You canoffer up any number of reasons/excuses, they being extenuating or otherwise but if he cant play to his best level then why cant many acknowledge that as the reality we have.

There is not a lost of sense in suggesting he 'may' be this...or he 'was' that... etc. If he is being crueled by injury then again, that is exaclty what we get, a player unable to perform at his best and ought we as a club be quite satisfied with that ?

All the if-only's in the world dont a top midfielder make !

If he can overcome his ailments and get a good preseason under his belt and not only get back to somewhere near his previous but I should suggest surpass that then he will be invaluable.

If he cant... he will be superceded. Thats life

well said

[Pello 1]

Brock was not fast from day one. With all his injuries I am concerned that with the increased speed of the game that it may have passed him by.

It's OK to be our in an under guy but opponents will exploit his lack of pace and that can hurt us. If this part of his game can't improve then we may be forced to make a tough call in 12 months.