Westmeadows captain Andrew McLean reaches 400 game milestone for the EDFL club

LOYALTY in local footy is not as common as it once was so it is refreshing to hear of tales like Westmeadows captain Andrew McLean’s.

LOYALTY in local footy is not as common as it once was.

Today, some players opt to follow the increasing money trail rather than sticking with the club that taught them all they know through their junior playing days.

But it is refreshing to hear of tales like Andrew McLean’s.

The Westmeadows captain joined his home suburb club at under-12 level and, aside from a stint in the TAC Cup at under-18 level, has not left since.

The long-time Tiger chalked up his 400th game for the Essendon District Football League Division 1 outfit against Oak Park on Saturday, a game which Westmeadows won by 14 points.

It was a milestone that had always been in the pipeline, the idea of leaving Westmeadows one that McLean has never weighed up.

“I grew up and lived in Westmeadows so first and foremost I loved the people there because I was part of the community,” McLean said. “I know a lot of guys go to the country for money or they want to cut their teeth in A Grade but it’s just never really worried me. I’ve always just enjoyed playing footy with all the guys at Westy.”

McLean has captained the side for the past eight years and has spent most of his playing days in a midfield role.

He has achieved plenty on the field individually, but what he is still missing is a senior premiership.

That is something he hopes is on the horizon, the Tigers’ future looking much brighter since a big off-season overhaul which saw David Connell join as coach and a swag of new players sign with the club.

The side currently sits three games clear in fourth spot on the ladder with finals football fast approaching.

“I sort of feel that clubs most the time have to hit the bottom of the rut before they all snap into action and rally together,” McLean said.

“We’ve lost to the top-two sides but they’re losses where we’ve learnt a lot. I feel as though we can win it, absolutely. Anyone who finishes in the top-four should feel that they can win it.”