Welcome to the Club pick 26 Western Bulldogs Toby McLean

[Testekill]

It's sad to see him go but unfortunately his body couldn't keep up with the AFL level after his two ACLs. I wish he could have stayed but it sadly had to happen.

 

[_Cerberus_]

As harsh as the injuries were. He can still hold his head up high. Tens of thousands play junior football, with dreams to one day play AFL. Only 50-60 get drafted each year. Of those who missed out, some could have gone on to be the next Ablett or Franklin, but not all have an equal opportunity to make it. Or were on a poor team, that were not able to showcase their best potential. Much talent is lost before any reach the AFL level itself.

And for those who do get drafted. Not many can claim they reached the 100 game mark, and walk away with a Premiership Medal. That is a career more than most will ever get to experience. Came into the team as a light weight, but with plenty of tricks, and many leaps trying to replicate his famous junior level mark. Threw his body into contests and played hard all through our finals series. Started to look like he would move from a small to high forward, to a full time midfielder role with his skills post Premiership.

Unfortunately then came the ACLs. For a small guy, who is still young. I was surprised he seemed to have lost some pace and agility. You'd expect it more with tall lumbering types. But I guess for every Libba, there are just as many who are not able to return to normal.

Was hoping we would sign him to our VFL team if no other AFL team came knocking. Shows he still has plenty to offer at that level at the least. If not, he will probably open up his own barber shop and living his passion outside the game.

That moment of him jumping onto Tom Boyds back on what was likely the match sealing goal, will forever be my favorite Bulldogs moment, and one of the most iconic images ever. Was always in my top five favorite players on the team, from the moment he was drafted.

 

[Libba39]

Who could forget the snap in the second quarter and the last kick of the grand final.

All the best Toby you are forever a Bullgod.

 

[DueWest]

THE T Boyd and T McLean photo may it live on in BULLDOG GLORY

 

[lachy]

Firstly will always be a Bullgod.

Though he struggled back this season would have liked to give him one more year. Was one of the better VFL players and in the scheme of things not that old.

Hope he gets another AFL opportunity however wish him nothing but the best in future.

Thanks for your time at the Dogs Tobes

On SM-G996B using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Fossie 32]

Go well Toby

 

[bobs head soup]

Damn. I mean it's no big surprise. But I love Toby, was hoping there was still somehow a spot for him.

I'll never forget how good he was late in the 2016 prelim.

100% my top memory also. When everything was on the line in the dying minutes of that match, he won the final 3 clearances. On top of everything else he achieved, those plays alone make him a club legend.

 

[HK_Bulldog]

Thanks Tobes for being part of one of the best memories of my life. So sad to see one of the youngest and most promising players in that team cut down by injury. He was a bit like Clay in that he loved footy, loved the club and just a great team mate. 2016 is fading further into history. I fear we will revert to mean and wait 60 years for the next one.

 

[DognBones]

I still think he's got AFL mileage in his legs, as evidenced by his excellent VFL form. Sadly not with us. Heart and soul player who gave his all each time he ran out for the team. Good luck, Toby.

 

[dergert]

Love ya Toby

 

[Euku]

Bullgod forever go dogs

 

[Libbaaaa]

Go well Tobes, will always be my boy! That side step and gather in the last minute of the 2016 prelim will always be with me.

Hopefully gets another year or two with someone, can surely take some money off Norf.

 

[Dogforever]

A very good player who because of injury never quite achieved what he was capable of.
He has a century of games and a premiership medal.
He will always be highly thought of at the home of the Bulldogs.

 

[GetDimmaBack]

If there are no takers for him at senior level, I'd like to see him play at Footscray for a couple of years with a view to a player development role at the club.

There's a bit of coach about him, IMO.

 

[Norm De Guerre]

It's unfortunate for Toby, as he was never really the most gifted athlete but one who understood the game and got by on his footy smarts. Once his knee injuries occurred regardless of the significant role that he played in the premiership his days were numbered and he was just playing out his contract. I suspect that both he and the club fully understood this, given how much of his now greatly diminished agility had left him exposed and looking slow out there.

Its sad to see him go out like this but its a brutal game for guys who cannot keep up with its physical demands.

He can be safe in the knowledge that no matter what he does for the rest of his life. He will be inextricably linked to the club and its supporter base due to his role in the premiership and his part in one of the iconic images the game has ever produced.

 

[NBates]

Such a sad time when a true son of the west has to leave the kennel. Thank you Toby , one of my favorite boys. You stuck around after the glory when times got hard - now that's someone who's tough as nails. As everyone has said - forever a Bullgod. And of course, most importantly....forget who's being drafted and who our new assistant coaches are going to be....who's going to cut their hair now? Go well, and don't be a stranger.

 

[Eastdog]

Sad to see Toby go. I remember the goal he scored just before half time in the 2016 grand final. That gave us a lift in that game and we ultimately won the premiership.

Injuries are a killer and they caught up with him in the end.

I wish Toby well in whatever he does next. Forever a Bulldog premiership player.

 

[Testekill]

Sad to see Toby go. I remember the goal he scored just before half time in the 2016 grand final. That gave us a lift in that game and we ultimately won the premiership.

Injuries are a killer and they caught up with him in the end.

I wish Toby well in whatever he does next. Forever a Bulldog premiership player.

Sydney had all the momentum at that point so that goal was exceptionally important heading into half time.

 

[LondonBulldog]

Who can forget his vital gather and snap over the shoulder just before half time in the 2016 grand final (Akermanis like). Kept us within touch and gave momentum going into the half.

Gave us some good years, heart was still there yet the two knees just slowed his reaction speed at the top level.

 

[Dazb86]

Was huge in the 2016 prelim. Sad how it played out in the end. Should have been a 200+ gamer with us

 

[BIG_BONTS]

Was one of my favourite players when up and running. Clean, hard and skilful. The game can be cruel but thanks for the memories Toby!

 

[Bulldogs85]

 

[_Cerberus_]

No clubs have spoken to McLean yet according to him. But feels he still has something to offer.

Barbering is more a side passion, than something he wants to do full time. Hasn't got an official business.

Wants to get into player development and welfare if his career doesn't continue on elsewhere. Has already done some of the courses made available through the AFLPA.

 

[Testekill]

No clubs have spoken to McLean yet according to him. But feels he still has something to offer.

Barbering is more a side passion, than something he wants to do full time. Hasn't got an official business.

Wants to get into player development and welfare if his career doesn't continue on elsewhere. Has already some some of the courses made available through the AFLPA.

Tobes could do well in player welfare and development.

 

[Anja_Nees]

Tobes could do well in player welfare and development.

Could go to the umpires as an informant. A bit like Frank Abagnale working for the FBI.