By JARROD POTTER
HE’S much more of a footballer than just that 10-second video clip doing the rounds of social media.
While the Australian football community has only just come to recognise Narre Warren’s Toby Mclean – on account of that spectacular grab he reeled in a week ago against Northern Knights – the young midfielder/forward continued his impressive season this week at the local level, slotting eight goals for the Magpies against Keysborough.
Returning to Casey Cardinia for the weekend, Mclean seized his chance to tear about Rowley Allen Reserve and made the most of his limited game time – only afforded two-and-a-half quarters by the Chargers to avoid injury.
“I really enjoyed it – love playing at Narre so any opportunity to go back and play for them I really enjoy it,” Mclean said.
He was overlooked by Dandenong in pre-season trials and headed out to Oakleigh where he has savoured the chance to defy gravity and make his mark in the ladder-leading Chargers’ outfit.
“We’re on top of the ladder so we’re going pretty well,” Mclean said.
“I fit in quite nicely… they’re really nice blokes to play with and made me feel comfortable… really enjoy it.
“I just want to play finals for the Chargers and go deep into the finals campaign this year.”
His first outing against Northern Knights earlier this season was just as memorable as his speccy match as he earned a debut and found he wasn’t just capable at the level but excelled there.
“Playing my first TAC Cup game was a real highlight – playing Northern Knights in Round 1 – I just wanted to see if I could play TAC Cup and I realised that I could,” Mclean said.
“I played my role and did pretty well and was pretty happy with it.”
Three games for Narre means he’s also qualified for Magpies’ finals campaign – another cannon to the already impressive Magpie arsenal – but he cherished his first senior match against Doveton in Round 8 where he played with his brother Sam for the first time at a senior level.
Mclean will go back to TAC Cup duties this week when the Chargers face the Cannons at Highgate Reserve.
