Glenelg’s Liam McBean bags nine goals against Adelaide after regaining passion for the game

Glenelg forward Liam McBean had lost the passion for the game. But after a season away from footy, he is reinvigorated and hungry for success, and after booting nine snags against Adelaide is the Round 2 Player of the Week.

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Talented Glenelg forward Liam McBean admits he had lost sight of why he played the game.

As a kid, he said football was all about enjoyment and playing with mates.

The more serious his career became, especially when it was a full-time job with Richmond for four seasons, there were times he’d forget the real reason for being involved.

“Coming out of the AFL system my love and passion for the game had wavered a bit,” he said. “Coming over to Adelaide in 2017 and working and playing was a nice balance for me.

“But I felt midway through that year of footy it was time for a change up and to do something different. It was important for me to get away from that footy bubble for a while.”

Glenelg's Liam McBean tackles Norwood’s Zac Richards in Round 1. Picture Dean Martin

McBean opted to take 2018 away from the game and travel the world for five months, a trip which included the soccer World Cup in Russia.

It was a decision which provided the answers to regaining the hunger to return to the Tigers’ attack. Watching good mate Alex Barns bag four goals for the North Adelaide in the grand final triumph over Norwood further fuelled that desire.

“I watched the grand final with a fair bit of jealousy,” McBean confessed. “That is why you play, for the camaraderie and that sort of moment where you have personal and team success.

“Being away has paid off for me. I’m only 24 and the body feels good, the mind is fresh and I enjoy being in Adelaide.”

McBean even enjoyed pre-season. And being “refreshed” was evident on Friday night when he bagged nine goals in the highly impressive win over Adelaide at the Bay in a performance which has been recognised as The Advertiser/SANFL Player of the Week.

His previous best was six goals against Port Adelaide in his debut for the Tigers.

“The backline was outstanding and the rebound and movement through the middle made my job, and the jobs of Josh (Scott) and Lachie Hosie easier up forward,” he said.

After finishing last season with six wins, McBean said there was plenty of expectation at the club.

“We have high expectations, not just to match it with the best teams, but we want to be the best team and we don’t shy away from saying that,” he said.

“I did not have the pleasure of playing under Mark Stone last year. He has established real discipline and direction and while he guides us, it is a player driven group.

“There is a lot of trust and respect in the group and we are all here for a purpose, Stoney has helped us work that out.”