My Two Cents: How a change of stripes ignited a career | Andrew Capel

In an AFL era where current SANFL players struggle for recognition, Glenelg’s triple Ken Farmer Medallist has defied the odds, writes Andrew Capel.

“He’s a phenomenal player, without question the best key forward in Australia outside the AFL.’’

With those words, Glenelg coach Darren Reeves summed up his triple Ken Farmer Medallist Liam McBean.

In an AFL era where current SANFL players struggle for recognition, the 202cm McBean is carving out a stellar state league career that is starting to put his name alongside club greats.

Glenelg is renowned for producing star goalkickers, including legendary SANFL full forwards Fred Phillis, who is the club’s all-time leading goalkicker with 869, Jack Owens (827) and Colin Churchett (556).

SANFL games record holder Peter Carey booted 521 goals in 448 games for the Tigers as a key forward/ruckman from 1971-88 while a young Stephen Kernahan tore up the local league, kicking 290 goals in 136 games from 1981-85 before joining AFL club Carlton and becoming a club great and an Australian Football Hall of Fame member.

With all due respect to McBean, he is no Carey, Phillis or Kernahan.

But he is taking on club legend status.

The former Richmond forward, who kicked only one goal in his five AFL matches strewn across two seasons in 2015-16 after being selected at pick 33 at the 2012 national draft from the Calder Cannons, last Saturday rose to equal-16th on Glenelg’s all-time goalkicker list.

His six goals against premier Norwood at The Parade took him to 255 in 105 games since making his SANFL league debut against Port Adelaide in round one, 2017, when he also booted six majors.

In the next few weeks he could leapfrog a handful of former Tigers stars, including Frank Burt (255), former captain and president Nick Chigwidden (257) and 1973 premiership heroes Rex Voigt and Neville Caldwell (258).

Liam McBean is congratulated by Glenelg teammate Matthew Allen after kicking a goal against Norwood on Saturday. Picture: David Mariuz (SANFL)

Liam McBean in action for South Australia in this year’s state league clash against Western Australia. Picture: David Mariuz (SANFL)

But the 28-year-old is more than just an ace goalsneak.

He is a heart and soul player who oozes selflessness.

“Liam is an incredible leader of men and people in general,’’ Reeves noted.

“His ability to get around everyone, whether you are a league footballer or playing your first game for the footy club, is his greatest strength.

“His football is outstanding but his ability to be able to connect is number one. He takes all the interstate boys out for tea or breakfast regularly, he runs our Thursday night dinner club and drives a lot of things that we are as a football club.

“And he’s the first one to celebrate someone else’s success.’’

McBean’s unselfishness was evident when he gifted former Eagle Connor McLeod his first Glenelg goal in his Tigers debut against Central District in round 11.

After darting around several opponents, McBean was running into an open goal when he noticed McLeod unmarked in the goalsquare and handpassed to him.

It has been the story of his Glenelg career.

While Reeves rates McBean as Australia’s best state league key forward, he has shunned the AFL in recent years, not nominating for the mid-season draft when there has been interest in him.

He has mixed feelings about his four years spent on Richmond’s list and is loving his work-life balance in the SANFL, pointing to a life-changing moment in 2018 when – after just one year at the Bay – he travelled overseas for five months with then teammate Brad Agnew before realising how much he missed the game.

“In my first year in the SANFL I was probably debating whether I wanted to have another go at the AFL,’’ McBean said.

“I was 22 and probably a bit bitter after being delisted, although I didn't hold a grudge towards Richmond, which went on to enjoy a very successful era.

“It was hard and I would have loved to have played more AFL games but at that stage of my life I probably wasn't mature enough to comprehend what it took to be a successful AFL player.

Liam McBean is chaired from the ground following his 100th game for Glenelg against Central District in round 7. Picture: Supplied

“When I went overseas I didn’t anticipate coming back to football but I found that little drive was still there and believed that I still had something to give the game.

“Upon returning to Australia I realised the AFL dream was no longer a motivating factor for me but I was at the crossroads and contemplated whether to go home to Melbourne and potentially play in the VFL and rebuild a life there.

“But I had built such great connections with people at Glenelg and felt it provided a stable environment for me to flourish and I wanted to help deliver it some deserved success.’’

The rest is history.

In his first year back, McBean helped Glenelg snap a 33-year premiership drought.

He won the first of three consecutive Ken Farmer Medals and last year captained the state team.

He has been in the Tigers leadership group for the past three years and relishes his work-life balance, which includes long-time partner Amber and working as manager of software and infrastructure at EGM Partners.

“I love the balance I now have in my life, it has brought the best out of me,’’ said McBean, who appropriately wears the prized No. 1 guernsey at Glenelg, which sits top this season with an 11-1 win-loss record.

“At Richmond, admittedly when I was a lot younger and immature, my whole life centred around football, which probably wasn’t healthy for my mental state.

“I would support anyone who wants to experience or re-live the AFL dream but it’s certainly not a priority for me.

“I feel indebted to Glenelg for what it’s done for me and want to help leave a legacy of success. It’s been a great journey so far and I can’t wait to see what’s to come.’’