He’s a national age cricket century maker and now he’s under the keen eye of AFL recruiters – Connor McLean’s year keeps getting better.
The Kapunda youngster’s brilliant game in South Australia’s emphatic win over Vic Country in the national under-18 championships last Friday suggests decision time is looming.
McLean made 120 not out in the national under 19 cricket championships last summer and is showing great form in the current AFL under 18 national championships.
“I will still do a cricket pre-season, but what I do during the summer will depend of what happens from a football perspective,” he told InDaily this week.
“There is a tour of Zimbabwe in October that I may come under consideration for.
“But at the moment I’m just happy that I’m contributing to our (football) team’s success.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in each game so far.
“Personally the two games against Vic Country, the one at AAMI Stadium a couple of weeks back and last Friday at Simonds (Stadium) have been my best efforts.”
South Australia is in the box seat to repeat its national championships title win of 2013.
Currently on the top of the premiership ladder in the 2014 championships after four wins and a loss, they are a one win ahead of both Victorian Country and Victorian Metropolitan.
The Croweaters are guaranteed to achieve back-to-back crowns if they defeat Vic Metro at Simonds Stadium tomorrow (Thursday).
SA coach Brenton Phillips says Connor McLean will be a key player.
“I have given Connor roles in previous games and he has been disciplined in undertaking each tasks,” Phillips said.
“He had a tremendous game, giving us plenty of rebound from defence on Friday against Vic Country.
“His ability to be cool in traffic and take the correct options both offensively and defensively is a noted strength.”
Mclean’s based at Central Districts where he plays in the reserves.
“He’s a versatile footballer who can play both forward and back,” his coach Jeff Brown said.
“At 185cm he can play on both tall and smaller opponents.
“Connor has a level head and is a great decision marker.
“In the first few games he actually rucked and played forward and in the last one I used him at centre half back.
“Off the field he’s a terrific lad.”
Currently studying at Bachelor of Education at the University of SA, McLean’s having a busy year.
He trained with the SANFL under 18s academy in February and had a national camp at Cricket Australia’s Centre of Excellence in Brisbane during March.
