‘It’s also important an AFL side up here will improve all aspects of the local competitions across the NT’: Michael McLean welcomes prospect of NT AFL side

Territory AFL legend Michael McLean has welcomed a feasibility study that outlines positives associated with a ‘home’ AFL side, but warns there’s a lot of work to be done.

• EXCLUSIVE: The Territory to launch a new bid for our own AFL team

MICHAEL McLean played more than 200 games at the top level and knows the importance of elite sport and the support programs it brings with it.

The former Western Bulldog, Brisbane and Allies representative player welcomes a feasibility study that outlines several sporting and social positives associated with a ‘home’ AFL side.

But he warns that a lot of work has to be down further down the production line, with junior development a major priority.

“It’s awesome to think we’ll have an elite sporting organisation based in Darwin and hopefully that will filter through to our development programs,’’ McLean said.

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“At the moment we’ve got a lot of work to do and it’s also important an AFL side up here will improve all aspects of the local competitions across the NT.

“And you need a boutique stadium. I just came back from the Gabba (in Brisbane) last weekend and it’s just miles ahead of TIO Stadium.

“That’s not being disrespectful, especially when you look at Optus Oval in Perth, the Adelaide Oval and Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.’’

McLean said it was a case of if you want to play with the big dogs, you’ve got to be ready for the whole show.

“That’s where you need to get your junior systems right, your development and your academies and whatever they want to call them.

Territory legend Michael McLean.

“They really have to become elite and right now I don’t think they are, in fact I think we’re way off it and we need a marked improvement in those areas.

“But one would think inside the environment of an AFL club that would change really quickly.’’

Junior development and successful player pathways mean a lot to the man they call “Magic’’ in reference to his tremendous skills as a footballer.

“It means a lot to me because of the number of kids missing out on the elite level,’’ he said.

“We haven’t had enough kids coming through the system and others that have dropped off after only lasting for a short term.”