Almanac Footy: The Dashing Demon From South Bendigo

IAN MCLEAN

 

 THE DASHING DEMON FROM SOUTH BENDIGO

 

IAN MCLEAN

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Over the years, Melbourne has been a club blessed with great wingmen with names such as Jack Collins, Len Dockett, Sid Anderson, Frank Adams, Eddie Jackson, Robert Flower, Ralph Lane, Stan Alves and Brian Dixon (who passed away in July this year) and more recently Ed Langdon.

 

This story for ‘The Footy Almanac’ tells of one of Melbourne’s most spirited wingmen, Ian McLean.  Ian was a talented speedster who gained great distinction during the Demon’s second ‘Golden Era.’ He played in five VFL Grand Finals and was a member of three premiership teams.

 

Sadly, Ian died just five years after his last VFL game.

 

It has been said before that Ian was a grossly under-rated footballer; and he was overlooked when Melbourne’s Team of the Century was selected. In some ways, Ian McLean is a forgotten champion of MFC and this story hopes to revive the memory of a brave, unassuming and highly talented wingman who was at his best when things were at their toughest.

 

SOUTH BENDIGO FOOTBALL CLUB

 

Ian McLean (born 1929) was recruited to Melbourne from   South Bendigo. South Bendigo FC (known as the Bloods) was formed in 1893 and won its first premiership in 1899. Since then, it has won more than twenty flags in the Bendigo FL.

 

For more than a century, the provincial city of Bendigo has traditionally embraced Australian rules and many of its footballers are something akin to local heroes. The Bendigo region has been the breeding ground for a long list of VFL footballers; and, because of the high standard of BFL the skills of many players are exceptional.

 

Consequently, many local players were/ are ‘ready-made’ propositions for AFL ranks. Ian McLean was a shining example of how country football continues  to prepare young players for AFL football.

 

Source: Boyles Football Photos

 

When Ian Mclean played for South Bendigo, the club was at its zenith and one of the most powerful combinations in the VCFL…

 

“South’s teams of the 1950s were among the most powerful in its illustrious history. The Bloods marked the start of the decade with a 26-point win over Echuca in the grand final…In 1951, the club went back-to-back after winning the one of highest scoring grand finals in BFL history. The Bloods knocked off Eaglehawk 24.12 (156) to 20.8 (128). After two years without premiership success, the Bloods returned with vengeance in 1954, winning the first of three straight flags under Alan McDonald” Source: ‘150 Years of Australian Football’ 

 

Note: As mentioned above, South Bendigo’s highly acclaimed coach Alan McDonald was appointed the Senior XVIII Coach of Richmond FC in 1957.

 

Alan McDonald who was presented with Life Membership of the Richmond Football Club in 2020.
Photo source: Richmond Football Club website

 

As an indication of SBFC’s strength in country football, the following list of players is a illustration of those players who graduated to AFL football:

 

Val Marchesi (Geelong/Essendon), Percy Rowe (aka Paddy Rowan -Collingwood), Harry Carter (Fitzroy/Carlton), Bill Campbell (North Melbourne), Tony Bull (Melbourne), Eric Fleming (Geelong), Joe Scaddan (Collingwood), Ron Robertson (Carlton), Colin Tully (Collingwood), Peter Dean (Carlton), John Waddington (North Melbourne), Joe Pearce (Melbourne), Jack Knight (Collingwood), Fred Bamford (Fitzroy), Jack Mills (Carlton)and Ken Greenwood (Carlton /Footscray).

 

One the recent stars of AFL football, who played with SBFC, was Leigh Colbert. Leigh captained Geelong in 1999; and played 105 games with the Cats before crossing to North Melbourne in 2000.  He went on to play another 104 games for total of 209 AFL games.

 

 

Stars from South Bendigo. Colin Tully (Source: Collingwood Forever)

 

 

Leigh Colbert,  who was the skipper of Geelong at 24 years of age. Source: Geelong FC website

 

 

FLEET-FOOTED & FEARLESS

 

Ian McLean was not tall (175cm), but he was big-hearted and could run ‘like the wind.’ He was a ‘high energy’ player; and he made an impression in Bendigo football ranks as an emerging star when he finished third in the SBFC Best & Fairest award in 1950.

 

 

 

 

Above is the extract from ‘The Riverine Herald; October 20^th 1950. Page:  2. Below:   Bob Dryburgh when he was playing the Narrandera Imperials in 1947.  Source: ‘Lost Narrandera’ website.

 

Note: Bob Dryburgh represented NSW at the 1947 Carnival in Hobart; and according to newspaper reports, Frank Lenaghan attracted great interest from Carlton and St Kilda in the early 1950’s.

 

 

IAN MCLEAN SIGNS WITH THE DEMONS

 

In the decade following the cessation of World War II hostilities, there was a widespread urgency as VFL clubs set about the task of rebuilding their playing lists. Club officials and spotters/scouts scoured country and suburban leagues looking for likely prospects and the race to win the signatures of likely recruits, on clearance papers (aka Form:4), was never-ending,

 

While the brilliant Tasmanian forward, Noel Clarke, was understandably the main focus of the Melbourne’s attention, Ian McLean was also part of the MFC’s ‘recruiting offensive’ in the lead up to the 1951 season.

 

After a couple of attempts and a battle with the Tasmanian FL, Noel Clarke was finally recruited to Melbourne from North Launceston in May 1951, Noel’s clearance wrangle was headline news and Melbourne supporters were eagerly awaiting his inclusion in the line-up. As the record books show after a slow start, Noel ‘exploded’ into action in the last three games of the season and booted six goals in each game.

 

 

 

 

Above: It is interesting that Ian McLean was touted as a potential rover. While the main focus was on Noel Clarke, there was also a lot to like about the young recruit from South Bendigo and Melbourne had no hesitation in signing Ian. Source: ‘The Argus’ February 17^th 1951. Page 15.   Noel Clarke’s photograph was published in ‘The Age’ May 17^th 1951. Page: 14.

 

 

IAN MCLEAN MAKES HIS VFL DEBUT

 

Ian McLean performed strongly in the pre-season training sessions and practice matches; and, within a few days of the first VFL game, ‘The Argus’ carried an action photograph of Ian with a caption asking the question: “Will he make a Demon?”  The MFC selectors answered in the positive.

 

 

Caption text : Will he make a Demon? Ian McLean, a new Melbourne recruit from South Bendigo, twists to take a pass at training yesterday. Source: ‘The Argus’ April 4^th 1951. Page; 11

 

The query was soon answered in the affirmative when Ian was selected in the Melbourne team for the Round:1 match against Essendon at Windy Hill….

 

“… Ian McLean, the South Bendigo wingman, has also earned selection in the Melbourne side for the opening game, and will start on the flank opposite Eddie Jackson, former Echuca East player.” Source: ‘Riverina Herald’ 21^st April 1951. 

 

 

Note: Study of the above recruits illustrate the heavy reliance that Melbourne FC (and other VFL clubs) placed upon Victorian country and suburban leagues in building their senior playing lists in that era.

 

In the Melbourne line-up that day at Windy Hill there were six players making their VFL debut. They were:  Ian McLean (South Bendigo), John Beckwith (Black Rock), Bob Rowse (Ormond), Bill Smeaton (Ararat-see below), Alan Daley (Eaglehawk) and Ken Christie who was recruited from Echuca,

 

Note: Bill Smeaton is not to be confused with George Smeaton the champion defender for Richmond (ex-Brighton). A lone source stated that Arthur was a cousin of George and George had also trained at Richmond at one stage.

 

Footballers rarely forget their first senior match; and for a young man from Bendigo, it must have been a thrill to run out on to the field with such Demon greats as Geoff Collins, Denis Cordner, Stuart Spencer, Noel McMahen and Geoff McGivern.

 

 

 

 

Denis Cordner and Geoff Collins- Two champions of Melbourne who played with Ian McLean in the match against Essendon in April 1951. Source(s): Australian Sports Museum and National Library of Australia (possibly the original was part of one of the Coles series swap cards).

 

 

IAN MCLEAN RUBS SHOULDERS WITH A SUPER STAR OF VFL

 

Essendon’s line-up that day included the brilliant John Coleman. The match results show that John was the difference between the two teams. Despite a brave Melbourne fight back in the last term, Essendon held sway to win by 10 points. John Coleman kicked seven goals at full forward. Norman McDonald was the star for the Bombers while Melbourne was best served by Stuart Spencer and Bob McKenzie.

 

Ian Mclean was not mentioned in any of the available match reports. However, Melbourne’s coach, Allan La Fontaine, must have seen something in Ian’s performance because he was selected for the next three games.

 

Ian played seven games his first season and was re-listed for the 1952 season.

 

 

 EDDIE JACKSON – THE TRAILBLAZER

 

This is an appropriate point, in this story, to highlight the wonderful talents of Eddie Jackson, one of Melbourne’s finest wingmen in that era. Eddie Jackson (born: 1925) was possibly the first Aboriginal player to represent Melbourne in VFL football.  George Simmonds played four games with Melbourne in 1924; but, according to one reference entitled ‘AFL’s Black Stars’ (published in 1998), there is reasonable doubt regarding George’s aboriginality.

 

Note:  On page 141 of that text George Simmonds’   name is marked with an asterisk indicating: ‘uncertain.’

 

Eddie Jackson was a trailblazer for indigenous footballers; and his scintillating performances and friendly disposition had much to do with the increasing appreciation and acceptance of aboriginal players in VFL football in the post war era.

 

Together with ‘Shady James’, Norm MacDonald and Eddie Jackson, the three prominent players of the 1940’s, by 1950- fifty-three years after the VFL’s inception-there were six (possibly eight) black men in the Victorian game. Source: ‘AFL’s Black Stars’ (Lothian Books 1998) Page: 11.

 

Source: ‘The Argus’ June 17^th 1950 Page 7

 

Eddie was recruited to Melbourne from Echuca and, in ‘next to no time’, he had made a great impact on city football followers. Eddie was a popular person at Melbourne and highly respected by his coaches and players (e.g. Jack Mueller) …

 

One of the first indigenous players to make his mark in league football, Jackson initially wanted to join Richmond but Jack Mueller helped lure him to the Demons as a 21-year-old in 1947…Lightning quick, he was named Best First Year Player after 15 games in his rookie season and played in both the 1948 Grand Final and the winning replay…” Source: ‘Demonwiki’ website. “

 

Further to the above, the following extract was published in ‘The Argus’ in 1950; (Eddie was referred to as ‘Ted’) and provides an excellent summary of Eddie’s high-level skills….

 

“Ted’s chief assets are his long, loping stride, and his extraordinary proficiency in ball handling. His work in the crushes is admirable, and He seems to have the ball on a string. ” He is also a good kick, with tons of nip and dash. He is married, and is employed in the Railways Department.”  Source: ‘The Argus’ June: 17^th 1950 P: 7.

 

Eddie went on to play 84 games (10 goals) with the Demons; and when he retired from VFL ranks, it is documented that he with played with Tongala and Echuca. Eddie won the Michelson Medal, for the Best & Fairest in the Bendigo FL in 1954.

 

It is known that Eddie coached in Mildura, at Alexandria and, in 1961, guided Thornton FC to a premiership. On that day, Thornton-Eildon District FC defeated Yea by 16 points to win the Waranga North-East League premiership.

 

Eddie Jackson passed away on the 5^th February 1996.

 

Note: Eddie’s five children (Eddie (Jnr), Robert, Steve, Karen and Fiona) are noted and well-known personalities in various sports around Frankston and across the Mornington Peninsula.

    

                       

1952   THE ARRIVAL OF THE RED FOX

 

In 1952, the committee of Melbourne FC made the most significant change in the club’s post-war history when it appointed Norm Walter Smith as its  senior coach.

 

It is often ignored (perhaps not known by some journalists) that Norm was an experienced VFL coach and was ready, willing and most able to take over the reins from Allan La Fontaine.

 

Norm had been in charge at Fitzroy from 1949-51; and   had been relatively successful in lifting the ‘Roys to fifth position on the ladder. In 55 games, as Fitzroy’s coach, Norm had a win-loss ratio of 56.36%

 

In appointing Norm as coach, Melbourne officials were hopeful that he might prove to be a successful leader. However, what he ‘brought to the table’ at Melbourne, in that era of VFL football, was beyond the club’s wildest dreams. He became a doyen of coaches and a model for others to emulate.

 

 

 Photograph caption:  It was pie night at Melbourne after yesterday’s training. TOP (from left), Tom McLean (see below), Lance Arnold, Denis Cordner, Stuart Spencer, Norm Smith (coach) around a trayful.  Source: ‘The Age’ July 16^th 1952 Page: 8.

 

Note: Tom Mclean (ex-South Yarra) later played with North Melbourne and Sandringham (VFA). There is no evidence that Tom was related to Ian McLean.

 

Time would reveal that Norm would not only change the mindset of his players but would transform the nature of Australian rules. Most experts agree that Norm (and his brother Len) were instrumental in changing the landscape of football more than any other coaches in the post-war period.

 

 

1952- A TOUGH AND TESTING TIME

 

For Ian Mclean, 1952 was a season of consolidation; and he proved several doubters wrong as he found the tempo of league football. Slowly but surely, Ian began to carve out a reputation as a courageous and skilled wingman. In the match against Richmond in July that year, the ‘Sporting Globe’ reported that…

 

“The Tigers had no counter for what could be aptly described, as clever adaptable football…. The wing play of Ted Jackson and Ian McLean under the conditions was classical.” July 2^nd 1952.

 

Ian played 14 games in 1952; and brought up his first VFL goal in the match against Richmond at the MCG. It was a double celebration as the Demons won by 37 points. He also received some limited press coverage in the club’s training notes on several occasions throughout that season.

 

 

The  Melbourne team in 1952. Source: ‘Demonwiki’ website  

 

 

In August (i.e. Round:17) Ian sustained a heavy knock to the lower back in the clash against South Melbourne; and it was thought his season had been brought to a premature conclusion…

 

“Melbourne wingman Ian McLean, who was taken to hospital from South Melbourne with bruised kidneys, has been discharged. He is expected to attend the clubrooms tonight, but will not play again this season.” ‘The Argus’ August 19th 1952.

 

 

Source: ‘The Argus’ (as above)

 

 

However, Ian recovered in time to take his place for the Demon’s last match of the season against Collingwood. The Magpies won that clash: and left Melbourne sitting on sixth position of the VFL ladder with nine wins and one draw.

 

 

 

 

Source(s): On the left ‘The Age’ June 6^th 1952 page 16; and the ‘Premiership Series’ swap card of Ian McLean is shown on the right.

 

 

1953   MELBOURNE NOSEDIVES

 

Melbourne struggled to be competitive the following season and plummeted to eleventh place. However, Norm Smith had his compass firmly set on going ‘north’; and his blueprint for the future centred about injecting youthful enthusiasm, new levels of fitness and uncompromising team play into the team.

 

Players such as Ian McLean, Ron Barassi, Laurie Mithen, Clyde Laidlaw, Frank Adams and Don Williams were all part of Norm’s vision to transform Melbourne into a tough and obdurate fighting unit. According to sports historian Ken Piesse, Norm was regarded as a….

 

“Great tactician, and a fluent and inspiring orator, he studied the opposition intently and was one of the first coaches to use statistics in his game strategies.”

 

Ian played only nine games in 1953; and according to the ‘Demonwiki’ website ….

 

“…Recruited after winning South Bendigo’s best and fairest McLean spent his first three years at the Demons in and out of the senior side before establishing himself…”

 

Ian’s introduction into VFL football was not without some challenging moments; but it was no different to most young players under Norm’s strict approach to team building.

 

 

A TURNING POINT IN IAN MCLEAN’S VFL CAREER

 

Targeted recruiting saw Melbourne gain the services of Brian Dixon, Bob Johnson, Laurie Mithen and Ian Ridley; and 1954 was a year of rapid development and ‘competitive engagement’ as Norm’s young brigade found ‘their legs’ and began to take a few important ‘scalps.’

 

By his VFL fourth season, Ian McLean had established a niche in Norm’s set-up; and he played a significant part in Melbourne’s renaissance that year.  Ian was a member of Melbourne’s strong centre line which included Ken Melville and Ralph Lane.

 

Ian not only consolidated his position on the wing but had caught the eye of the scribes, opposition coaches and the Victorian selectors…

 

“When he first made the side commentators repeatedly said that Melbourne had a weakness on the wing but McLean ignored the criticism to become a valuable player. His greatest assets were his wonderful ball-handling, lightning reflexes and a great eye.” Source:  ‘Holmesby and Main’ Page 390.

 

 

SELECTION FOR VICTORIA

 

Ian McLean hit peak form in 1954 and was selected on two occasions for Victoria that season…

 

“By 1954 Mclean was regular …as a winger …and his amazing weaving and interceptions were rewarded by his selection as a Victorian player early in the year. “Source: ‘Heroes-MFC Publication ’ Page: 149.  

 

Ian’s inclusion in the VFL team was an indication of his consistent form.  It was a compliment to Ian’s reliability as there was an abundance of wingmen in that season including: Des Healey (Collingwood), Thorold Merrett (Collingwood), Sid Tate (Geelong), Bert Worner (Geelong), Lance Mann (Essendon), Kevin McMahon (North Melbourne) and John Chick (Carlton).

 

The squad to play South Australia at the MCG that year was: Ken Hands, Bill Hutchison, Rob Rose, Jack Clarke, Roy Wright, Bill Wilson, Jim Taylor, Bill Stephen, Leo Turner, Max Mollar, Neil Doolan, Norm Sharp, Herb Henderson, John Kennedy, Roy Simmonds, Ian McLean, John Brady, Neil Mann, Bill Gunn, Jack Collins, Noel McMahen.

 

It must have been an honour for Ian to be selected in such distinguished company. The crowd that day was 43,313 and the game was a most ‘one-sided’ affair as the Victorians put on a ‘master-class’.

 

One text described the outcome as a ‘massacre’ as the Victorians demolished the visitors by more than 20 goals. Jack Collins kicked a ‘bag’ of ten goals and Roy Wright dominated the aerial duels.  Ian McLean was named among the best players for Victoria along with Bill Hutchison (Essendon) and one of Collingwood’s most famous players, Bobby Rose. Ian was in ‘rarefied air’ and following names, in the match report, will again remind readers of Ian McLean’s capacity to match it with the ‘cream of the crop.’ The final scores were:

 

Victoria 26. 16 (172)    defeated South Australia 6.9(45).

 

• Goals for Victoria: Collins 10 Mann 3 Gunn 3 Rose 2 Brady 2 Hutchison Hands Wright Doolan Wilson and Clarke.
• Goals for SA: Crabb, Williams McKenzie Brown Head and Fitzgerald.
• Best for Victoria: Wright. Collins Hutchison Rose Brady McLean and Wilson.
• Best for SA: May Crabb Coverlid Williams Brown Fitzgerald Head and Lynch.

 

 

ACCOLADES FOR IAN MCLEAN

 

 

Source: ‘News’ (Adelaide) July 21^st 1954: Page 35.

 

 

Ian was also chosen for the return match against South Australia at the Adelaide Oval in July that season.  In a preview of the game in an Adelaide newspaper (see above), he was complimented for his courageous style football…

 

“Ian McLean…a team mate of Melbourne’s Noel McMahen this fast wingman is in his first year of interstate football. McLean is no stylist but has packed more courage into his 40-odd games with Melbourne than most footballers do in a lifetime. Played a great game against SA in Melbourne. He is a terrier-type, rarely beaten. He Is 24. 5’.9” and just over 11 st.” Source: ‘News’ July 21^st 1954.

 

Another South Australian paper the ‘Advertiser’ was equally enthusiastic about Ian’s ability and its journalist Keith Butler stated…

 

“Ian McLean (Melbourne)…Has been one of the most consistent centre wingmen of the year in Victoria. He was one of Victoria‘s most brilliant players in the recent match against SA in Melbourne. Is on his first interstate trip.”  July 22^nd 1954.

 

The pre-match rhetoric did not match the action on the field; and a lacklustre South Australia combine could only manage six goals as Victoria kicked fourteen. Jack Collins had another ‘field day’ with six majors; and Collingwood’s champion Bobby Rose was named as Victoria’s best player.

 

 

MELBOURNE’S RESURGENCE

 

Norm Smith’s youth policy was an absolute success as Melbourne clambered from the pits and scaled new heights. In an amazing turn-around the Demons finished in the final four that season…

 

“Melbourne made a remarkable jump up from eleventh place the previous season to fill fourth place with eleven wins…” Source: ‘Courage Book of VFL Finals’ Page: 175. 

 

Melbourne defeated North Melbourne and then overcame Geelong on the path to the Grand Final against Footscray. In a feat of epic proportions, Norm’s tyros had climbed ten rungs on the VFL Ladder to play in biggest game of the season.

 

 

1954- Hoping for another pennant – Norm Smith, Geoff Collins, Shane McGrath and Jack Mueller. Source: ‘The Herald’ August 5^th 1954 Page 28

 

GRAND FINAL LINE UP  1954

 

 

 

 

However, the Demons received a reality check in that Grand Final as Footscray’s Charlie Sutton and Jack Collins put an end to the Demon’s hopes of a fairy tale finish to the 1954 season.

 

Footscray dominated proceedings from the very first bounce and, with Jack Collins leading the charge, the result was never in doubt after the first term. The Bulldogs mauled the Demons that afternoon; and won their first-ever VFL pennant ( since entering the VFL in 1925).   The scores that day were:

 

Footscray:     6.3    8.5   12.9    15.12 (102)

Melbourne:   1.4    4.6      6.7         7.9   (51)

 

• Goals for Footscray: Collins 7 Sutton 3 Kerr   Stevens Duffy Reynolds and Stockman.
• Goals for Melbourne: Clarke Barassi Spencer Mithen McLean Johnson and Albiston.
• Best for Footscray: Kerr Bryden Ross Collins Whitten Reynolds and Box.
• Best for Melbourne: Cordner Collins Barassi Mithen McLean and Albiston.

 

 

IAN MCLEAN- DEFIANT IN DEFEAT

               

On that day, Footscray’s centreline (Reynolds-Ross-McCarthy) was in control; and fellow-wingman Ralph Lane (8 kicks) and Melbourne’s pivot, Ken Melville (7 kicks), were totally eclipsed across four quarters.  In fact, one newspaper, reported that Ken Melville was ‘moved off’ Don Ross and replaced by *Laurie Mithen (who had started on the half forward flank).

 

*Note: As a point of interest, Laurie went on to become one of the most combative VFL footballers of that era and one of Melbourne’s best-ever centremen. Laurie was selected, as an interchange player, in MFC’s Team of the Century.

 

 

       

 Above:  The robust and highly skilled, Laurie Mithen (Source: ‘The Argus’); and below the headlines from the Perth ‘Mirror ‘on 25^th September 1954. Page: 15

 

However, Ian McLean emerged from that Grand Final with an enhanced reputation and his self-esteem intact as he was a clear winner on his wing.

 

According to the available statistics, Ian McLean gathered twenty kicks and gave four handballs; and his performance in that Grand Final was described by John Devaney as…

 

“…and players like half forward flanker Laurie Mithen, wingman Ian McLean and half back flanker and skipper Geoff Collins had been dynamic, spirited and persistent-albeit rather less incisive and effective than might have been wished.” Source: ‘Australian Football’

 

Ian McLean’s fighting performance, that day, earned him praise and, in time, he would demonstrate to be a ‘finals- specialist’ and a player who thrived during ‘September action.’

 

To further exemplify Ian McLean’s performance across the midfield in a losing side, Percy Beames, of the ‘Sporting Globe’, noted Ian’s efforts in trying to lift Melbourne; and he also listed Ian in his best players that day.

 

 

Ian McLean won a pair of trousers for his performance in the 1954 final series. Source: ‘Sporting Globe’ 25^th September 1954.  Page:  5

 

 

Caption text: From 1954-MELBOURNE WINGMAN IAN MCLEAN’S KNEE is the subject of this discussion in the Victorian football camp in Adelaide. McLean was injured in the match against W.A. in Perth, but has been selected in the team to play South Australia tomorrow.
FROM LEFT: Bob Rose, Ivan Booth (head trainer), Jim Gallagher, Ian McLean, and John Gill. Source: ‘Herald’ 23^rd July 1954. Page: 26

 

 

ANOTHER SHOT AT THE TITLE

 

Bearing in mind the lesson that Footscray had given Melbourne in the 1954 Grand Final, Norm Smith was ruthless as he drove his young players towards the finals campaign and ‘another chance for glory’ in 1955.  By that stage of his career, Ian Mclean had attained a star rating and his on-field influence was considerable.

 

Note: In 1955 Melbourne completed an impressive ‘streak’ (i.e. winning successive games) and won the first ten matches of that season. In Round:11, Collingwood defeated Melbourne by three points at Victoria Park before a crowd or rather a ‘crush’ of 40,000 fans. Melbourne won 15 games that season and finished on top of the VFL table with a percentage of 150%.

 

In 1955, Ian played 18 games and the highlight of his season was his brilliant performances in both the Second Semi-final and the Grand Final. In the Semi-Final against Collingwood, Ian handled the atrocious conditions with aplomb…

 

“In mud, slush and rain, Melbourne, whose superior fitness told in a torrid last quarter defeated Collingwood in the second semi-final.” Source: ‘The Courage Book of Finals’ Page:  178.

 

Melbourne hung on to win by eleven points. Demon rover, Stuart Spencer, was outstanding as he kicked five goals in the heavy conditions of the MCG; and Melbourne’s better players were listed as: Ken Melville, Ian McLean, Don Williams, Noel McMahen and rugged defender Geoff McGivern.

 

 

IAN MCLEAN STARS IN A PREMIERSHIP WIN

 

In 1955, Melbourne and Collingwood ‘squared off’ for the title in front of a crowd of 88,053. Collingwood, coached by Phonse Kyne, had downed Geelong in the Preliminary Final; and it was anticipated that the Magpies would try to distract and unsettle Melbourne with ‘strong arm’ tactics.   

 

Ian McLean was selected on the wing; and Collingwood’s wingers, that day (Des Healey and Thorold Merrett*), were regarded as stars of VFL football in that era. *Note:  See sub-heading: ‘Thorold Merrett’s checklist’ later in this story.

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The teams for the Grand Final were:

Melbourne: B:  Beckwith  Marquis   T. Johnson HB:  Williams McGivern McMahen (c) C:    McLean Melville  Case HF:  Mithen Clyde Laidlaw McKenzie F:    R. Johnson Clarke Ian Ridley R:    Cordner  Barassi  Spencer 19th  Gleeson 20th  Adams

Collingwood: B:      Sharp Hamilton Waller HB:   Kingston Tuck Lucas C:      Merrett Parker Healey HF:    Weideman Smale Jones F:       Rose           Batchelor   M. Twomey R:       Mann       Gooch    R. Richards 19th   Hickey   20th Kupsch

 

It was a fiery opening and things ‘boiled over’ when Noel McMahen and Bobby Rose ‘tangled’. The collective pressure and individual tension in finals is always high; but when Noel and Bobby ‘crossed swords’ that day, the ‘surface temperature’ of the MCG increased to ‘white hot’; and the match developed into a dour struggle for supremacy.

 

Although Melbourne appeared to have control, through the midfield, inaccuracy in front of goal was costly and kept the Magpies ‘in touch.’  Two goals to Ken Smale and Bobby Rose in the third term gave the Magpies a slim chance of snatching ‘victory from the jaws of defeat.’

 

However, it was not to be as a four-goal blitz, in the last quarter, secured victory for the Redlegs.  With the clock ticking down and the Demons supporters ready to burst into song, an incident occurred that had ramifications for years to come…

 

“Then in the dying minutes of the game Melbourne reserve Frank ‘Bluey’ Adams was sent onto the ground, and in his excitement did not see Collingwood winger Des Healy. The two players collided and both were out cold…” Source: ‘Grand Finals’ ‘Main and Connolly’ Page 123.

 

 

THE SICKENING COLLISION BETWEEN DES HEALY AND ‘BLUEY’ ADAMS

 

What followed that dreadful head-on ‘smash’ was ugly as the anger of the Collingwood fans spilled over and intensified. Any semblance of a sporting contest dissipated as ‘war was declared’ on Frank Adams. Neither Frank nor Des heard the final siren that day; they were both concussed and in the hands of the trainers and medical staff. Reports of the incident virtually overtook the fact that Melbourne had won the premiership.

 

 

 

 

A sickening collision that shocked the crowd Des Healey (left) and Franks Adams are down ‘for the count.’  The result of the Grand Final took back seat to the aftermath of that dreadful incident. Below is the famous WEG poster of Melbourne’s victory showing Noel McMahen. Noel lead his team by example that day in 1955.

 

The scores in the 1955 Grand Final were:

 

Melbourne:    2.3   3 .10   4.13     8.16 (64)

Collingwood:  2.2     2.5      4.6     5.6  (36)

 

• Goals for Melbourne: Clarke 3 Ridley 3 Laidlaw and McKenzie.
• Goals for Collingwood: Weideman 2 Jones Rose and Smale.
• Best for Melbourne: Cordner Barassi McLean McMahen Marquis and Trevor Johnson.
• Best for Collingwood: Hamilton Lucas Mann Rose Sharp Tuck and

 

With his outstanding performance in that Grand Final, Ian McLean finished the year on a high note; and had stamped himself as one of the best wingmen in Melbourne’s distinguished history. As is well known in Australian Rules football, one of the greatest tests that a footballer can face is to perform well on the ‘big stage’ in finals; and, once again, Ian had passed with ‘flying colours.’

 

 

Another very important occasion was when Ian and Jean Driver were married at the Ewing Memorial Presbyterian Church in Malvern in September 1955. Source: ‘The Argus’ September 28^th 1955 Page 5.

 

 

1956 INJURY STRIKES IAN MCLEAN

 

1956 was a frustrating season for Ian as he managed only 14 games and was forced to miss the finals. Research reveals that during the season he was hampered by a nagging groin injury….

 

“A persistent strained groin muscle is worrying wingman Ian McLean and has been affecting his form. He received attention last night and should be available on Saturday.”  Source: ‘The Argus June 27^th 1956.

 

Although the condition ‘osteis pubis’ was rarely (if ever)  mentioned in those days, it is fair to surmise (guesswork really) that Ian may have suffered from chronic groin soreness.

 

In an era of no bench rotations, the load on wingmen was onerous in those days; and the methods of treating such tissue damage and inflammation were virtually non-existent.

 

Another factor that is not often appreciated by modern writers is that, in that era, the conditions of VFL grounds were often sodden, muddy and heavy. Running players, such as Ian McLean, would be absolutely ‘spent’ and leg-weary after a day in the ‘slush and mire.’  The concept of ‘managed’ players was unheard of in Ian McLean’s era; and bench rotations during a game were not introduced into football until 1978.

 

According to VFL statistics, Ian played in the Round:17 fixture against North Melbourne and, while there is no mention of his name in the injury reports, he was not selected in Melbourne’s line-up for the following match.

 

 

IAN MCLEAN MISSES THE GRAND FINAL

 

It is hard to unearth the exact extent of Ian’s injury but he was omitted from the Semi-Final team that season.  Terry Gleeson (19^th) and Jim Sandral (20^th) were named on the reserves bench; and Ralph Lane and Ian McLean were listed as emergencies.

 

Melbourne won the match by sixteen points and two weeks later went on to win the 1956 Grand Final in convincing style.   On that day, Frank Adams and Brian Dixon controlled the wings for Melbourne and provided the drive to create forward opportunities.

 

Stuart Spencer and Athol Webb each kicked five goals to lead Melbourne to a thumping win over the hapless Magpies. VFL Records show that Ian Mclean was named as the Demon’s emergency that day.

 

 

 

 

A POSSIBLE REASON (NOT AN EXCUSE) FOR IAN’S OMISSION IN 1956

 

Although there should be few excuses in the life of any topline sportsman, it is reasonable to suggest that Ian was suffering from osteis pubis throughout the latter part of the season. It is a most debilitating injury that requires rest and constant treatment to ensure recovery; and perhaps Ian fell victim to his eagerness to play football when under an injury cloud.

 

Ian probably had mixed emotions that evening as the MFC celebrated back-to-back premierships. No doubt, he would have been happy for the success of his team mates; however, he would not have been human if he had not felt some ‘twinge of disappointment’ in watching the game from ‘over of the fence.’

 

Any reader who has been omitted from a football team will fully appreciate how It hurts to be on the ‘outer’ and being unable to play a part on that day.  Imagine how Ian McLean must have felt in 1956 not to be part of Melbourne’s winning combination in front of a record crowd of 115,802 fans.

 

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF ‘TARGET RECRUITING’

 

A significant factor in Melbourne FC’s on-going success during the 1950’s was its knack of replacing departing/retiring players with quality recruits.  1957 was a prime example.

 

Although the club lost star players in Noel McMahen (cleared to Rochester), Denis Cordner (retired), Stuart Spencer (Clarence, Tasmania), Geoff McGivern, Ken Melville (England) and Ralph Lane (retired); ready-made replacements such as Dick Fenton-Smith, Ian Thorogood, Geoff Tunbridge, Bob Turner, John Lord, Peter Brenchley and Neil Crompton stepped into the breach.

 

 

The ‘OFF LIST’ players at Melbourne in 1957 included such champions as Stuart Spencer, Denis Cordner, Noel McMahen, Ken Melville, Clyde Laidlaw, Ralph Lane and Geoff McGivern.  Source: ‘The Age’ 15^th April 1957

 

 

1957 – Melbourne Football Club. Ian McLean is in the front row (third from the right). Two other famous wing men of that era Frank ‘Bluey’ Adams (extreme left) and Brian Dixon (on the immediate left of Ian) are also shown.  Source: Melbourne Football Club archives 

 

Most clubs would have struggled to replace such skill and experience but Melbourne, with targeted recruiting, under Norm Smith’s astute guidance, maintained a very strong squad.

 

In the period 1951-57, Melbourne named 72 new players on its playing list. Norm Smith’s ‘hawk-eye’ for youthful talent was a prime reason that Melbourne kept ‘ahead of the pack’ in that competitive era of VFL football.

 

 

IAN MCLEAN PLAYS HIS 100TH VFL GAME

 

Ian McLean appeared to be galvanized by his omission in the 1956 finals and he had a magnificent season in 1957. He played 20 games, including three finals; and, as history shows, was a member of that premiership team. Ian played his 100^th game for Melbourne in the First Semi-Final against Essendon in 1957.  In one text, he was named as Melbourne’s best player in the Second Semi Final.

 

In the 1957 Grand Final, Melbourne defeated Essendon by more than ten goals in front of crowd in excess of 100,000 people. Ron Barassi kicked five goals and, in Graeme Atkinson’s ‘Courage Book of Finals’, Ian McLean was named in Melbourne’s better players.

 

 

‘The Age’ (24^th September) carried the iconic photograph of Ron Barassi driving the ball forward despite the   full-blooded tackle of Essendon defender Bob Suter. Ron Barassi, who was just 22 years of age, booted five goals that day and was virtually unstoppable.

 

According to Percy Beames (‘The Age’), Melbourne’s centre line that day (McLean-Mithen-Dixon) “…exceeded expectations”; and the eclipse of Essendon’s much-vaunted wingmen Reg Burgess and Greg Sewell was a major factor in the Demon’s definitive victory.

 

Ian was Melbourne’s oldest player (28 years) in the team that day.  Melbourne’s average age was just 23 years; and Ian’s experience was worth his ‘weight in gold or premiership silver’ to the younger players in that famous Grand Final triumph.

 

 

1958 IAN STARS AGAIN IN VFL FINALS.

 

One of the reasons advanced (in MFC’s book ‘150 Heroes’) for Ian McLean’s improved form in the 1957 season was that he sold his milk bar business and simply concentrated on playing football. However, the fact that he had an ‘injury free’ season cannot be dismissed in rating his performances that season.

 

In 1958 Ian played twenty games and the MFC’s Annual Report stated that he …

 

“…had a grand season of football…his dashing and fearless interceptions to carry the ball forward, often to leave him in position to kick for goal…”

 

Ian played in two finals that season. In the Second Semi-Final against Collingwood, on September 6^th, he was named as second best in a winning team; and in the Grand Final, a fortnight later, he was again listed among the best players for Melbourne.

 

Collingwood won its thirteenth flag that season and thus consequently denied the Demons their fourth consecutive VFL premiership. It was unexpected victory for Collingwood but on that day the Magpies, led by Thorold Merrett, Murray Weidemen, Barry Harrison and Bill Serong, proved the well-worn adage that a ‘champion team will always beat a team of champions.’

 

 

1959 ANOTHER PREMIERSHIP FLAG

 

Ian played twenty games in 1959 and the Demons appeared to be unstoppable as the club finished on top of the VFL Ladder at the end of the home and away series.  

 

A study of the match results that season shows that the key to Melbourne’s triumph was the remarkable performances of its forwards who kicked a total of 1731 points.  The next best attacking forward line was Essendon (1598 points); and these figures, again emphasize, the importance of having a spread of goal kickers and not to merely rely upon one spearhead.  

 

That season Melbourne had seven players who kicked more than twenty goals each… Ron Barassi (46), Alan Rowarth (42), Bob Johnson (38), Ian Ridley (25), Frank Adams (25), Geoff Tunbridge (23) and ‘young’ Harold ‘Hassa’ Mann kicked 21 in his first year of VFL football. For the record, Ian McLean kicked four goals that year.

 

Melbourne’s miserly backline led by John Beckwith, ‘Tassie’ Bob Johnson, Denis Jones and Geoff Case also played its part exceptionally well and limited the opposing forward lines to a total of 1213 points.

 

Melbourne defeated Carlton by 44 points in the Second Semi-Final; and then overwhelmed a dogged Essendon outfit to win the 1959 premiership by 37 points. Melbourne’s best players that day were: Barassi, McLean, Johnson, Dixon, Jones and Beckwith (see Below).  It was another remarkable performance by Ian Mclean in a VFL final.

 

 

 

 

Club captains, John Beckwith (Melbourne) and Jack Clarke (Essendon), share the VFL premiership cup prior to the 1959 Grand Final. Source: VFL Annual Report.
Below: Ian McLean in action in the 1959 Grand Final Source: ‘The Age’ September 28^th .1959. Page: 20

 

During his career at Melbourne, Ian played in twelve finals matches and, according to Graeme Atkinson’s match results, was listed among the ‘best players’ on seven occasions. Such figures reveal much about Ian’s ability to perform well in the ‘pressure-cooker’ atmosphere of VFL finals.

 

Ian McLean rarely failed to respond under the bright glare of football’s ‘spotlight’; and he was at his ‘best when things were at their worst.’ Fighting qualities in adversity are the hallmark of champions.

 

 

1960-THE END OF THE ROAD

 

Ian completed pre-season training in 1960 and was selected for the opening round against North Melbourne. However, VFL records show that he was only to play another three games before stepping down from league football.

 

Ian’s last game for Melbourne was against Essendon at Windy Hill in Round:7; he was thirty years of age; and, on that day, he was twelve years older than Melbourne’s emerging teenage star, Bryan Kenneally (ex-Lyndhurst-Hampton Park) who was just 18 years of age.

 

Note: Bryan had played his first VFL game at 17 years and 107 days.

 

 

 

Above:  Bryan Keneally an emerging young star and below, Brian Dixon who was playing his 93^rd VFL game when Bryan made his debut for the Demons on the July 11^th 1959. Sources: Demonwiki website and ABC News.

 

Norm Smith was still coaching Melbourne at that stage; and the ‘parting of the ways’ would not have been easy for Ian.  The emotional bonds between a coach and his players can often be strong; and Ian and Norm had scaled ‘great heights’ together….

 

“Sport is emotional and our memories don’t wane quickly.” Quote by John Eales in 2009.

 

Norm had been Ian’s coach for 139 games of his 146-game career; and there was a degree of hesitation (perhaps reluctance) in his announcement to retire.  Newspaper articles indicated that Ian was in two minds as to what was the best course of action.

 

As ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson discovered, retirement is not straight-forward while powerful and unseen forces can make the ‘last farewell’ taxing. However, by the second week of June 1960, Neil announced his retirement and looked for a nail upon which to hang his well-worn boots. The 1960 MFC Annual Report stated…

 

“Ian McLean, a grand player …retired after a wonderful contribution over 10 years…Ian was a fine clubman and a most popular player who is proving a very competent commentator on television as well as a fine ambassador for the club.” Source: ‘Heroes’ Page: 149.

 

 

THOROLD MERRETT’S CHECK LIST FOR WINGMEN.

 

Younger readers may not have heard of Collingwood’s legendary wingman, Thorold Merrett but he was ‘one out of the box’. Thorold was ‘something special; and one of the most popular and admired players of his generation. Thorold was selected on the wing in Collingwood’s ‘Team of the Century’

 

In 1969, Collingwood’s legendary wingman Thorold Merrett (see above) wrote an article entitled ‘The Winged Boot’   and detailed the required attributes for players to succeed at VFL level.  Thorold stated that wingmen needed the following six attributes to succeed at the top-level…

(i) Impeccable ground play (ii) Natural pace (III) Ability to turn quickly (iv) Accurate kicking (v) Ability to defend and attack and (vi) Courage in the contest.

 

Those ‘elderly readers’ who were fortunate enough to watch Ian McLean play for Melbourne will readily acknowledge that he met each of Thorold’s criteria. Perhaps the most compelling evidence that can be presented, in support of his Ian’s credentials, was the fact that Norm Smith publicly acknowledged Ian’s courage and ability to win the ‘hard ball.’  Enough said!

 

 

A TV PERSONALITY AND LIFE MEMBERSHIP

 

Soon after his retirement from playing football, Ian was contracted to Channel 7 to be part of its popular television football commentary team/panel. ‘The Age’ reported Ian’s ‘career move’ as…

 

“Melbourne wingman Ian McLean has retired for the second time this season to take up a position as a television commentator.” June 16^th 1960. 

 

Ian was eloquent speaker and conversant with the nuances of VFL football and his relaxed style, in front of the camera, was appreciated by viewers.  Other well-known Channel 7 football/sporting personalities included Ron Casey, Jack Dyer, Lou Richards and Bob Davis.

 

 

The doyen of Australian sports broadcasting, Ron Casey. Ron’s flair and love of football was a major reason why Channel 7’s ‘World of Sport’ was compulsory viewing each Sunday. Source: From a little-known website: ‘The Hickeystand.com’

 

Channel 7’s Sunday’s ‘World of Sport’ was ‘compulsory viewing’ and the panel shows on Saturday evenings were popular with TV audiences throughout metropolitan and country areas of Victoria.   

 

Ian was awarded Life Membership of Melbourne Football Club in 1960. In that same year, Jim Cardwell and John Beckwith were also recognized for their loyal services to MFC.

 

 

THE FUNERAL OF IAN MCLEAN

 

Ian’s sudden death rocked the football world. Ian was only thirty-five years of age when he passed away in March 1965; and a heavy pall fell across the club. Melbourne supporters were deeply saddened (some emotionally distraught) with the loss of one of their favorite players of that era.  ‘The Age’ carried the details of the funeral arrangements…

 

“The funeral of former Victorian and Melbourne wingman Ian McLean will be held this afternoon. A service will be held at the Methodist Church Alma Road, Chadstone at 2 pm today. The funeral will then leave for the Springvale Crematorium. McLean 35 died on Monday night after a short illness. He leaves a wife and three children…”  March 24^th 1965.

 

 

Source: ‘The Age’ March 24^th 1965 Page: 24

 

 

A CHAMPION IN THE TRUE SENSE OF THE WORD

 

These days the word ‘champion’ is sometimes loosely applied in the vernacular regarding footballers. It is hard to define what makes a champion footballer but Ron Barassi believes that ‘consistency of performance’ is a critical factor in gauging the measure of any so-called ‘champion.’

 

Ian McLean was consistent, courageous and committed in his ten seasons with Melbourne FC; and there is enough evidence to suggest that Ian was a ‘champion’ in the true sense of the word.

 

 

IN CONCLUSION- A GIFTED FINALS’ SPECIALIST

 

In closing this story, John Devaney’s   succinct summary of Ian is an apt reminder of what a truly gifted wingman he was for Melbourne (and Victoria) and his powerful presence in VFL finals…

 

“An accomplished if underrated wingman, Ian McLean played in Melbourne premiership teams in 1955-6-7 and 1959, and well as the runner-up side of 1954. His value to the side is shown by his being named high among the best players in all bar one of the grand finals in which he played.

 

Courageous, quick both over the ground and in terms of reflexes, and a smooth ball handler, McLean, who hailed from Bendigo, played a total of 146 VFL games and booted 29 goals for the Demons between 1951 and 1960.” Source: Australian Football website.

 

Following Ian’s death, the Melbourne Former Players’ Association set about to establish a trust fund to assist in the on-going education of his three children (Leanne, Cam and Scott). In its announcement, the MFPA stressed that …

 

“…the fund was not to be seen as a charitable organisation but purely as a tribute of respect and appreciation by his former colleagues.” Source: ‘VFL Record’ April 24^th 1965. Page: 29 

 

A final honour was bestowed upon Ian McLean in 2008 when he was named as one of Melbourne’s ‘150 Heroes.’ Ian’s family received a medal commemorating that well-deserved achievement.

 

 

Ian McLean 1929-1965.

The champion wingman of Melbourne.

Source: ‘VFL Record’ 1965. Round:2.  

 

 

THE END

 

Written for Footy Almanac by Roger Spaull in November 2025.

 

More Football biographies by Roger Spaull can be read Here. 

 

 

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