Wanderers Muk Muks captain Braedon McLean says NTFL club’s culture strong in 2020-21 season

LIKE all good captains, Wanderers skipper Braedon McLean prides himself on leading his team by example.And nobody can argue he has not done that so far in the 2020-21 NTFL season as it nears the halfway mark.

Wanderers skipper Braedon McLean is in fine form so far in the 2020-21 NTFL season. Picture Glenn Campbell

LIKE all good captains, Wanderers skipper Braedon McLean prides himself on leading his team by example.

And nobody can argue he has not done that so far in the 2020-21 NTFL season as it nears the halfway mark.

McLean has twice been among his team’s best in the four games he’s played this competition.

There has been a strong fire burning within him to do all he can and turn around the proud Eagles club after it finished with just three wins – and second from the bottom – in its 2019-20 campaign.

He reflected long and hard on what he needed to do better and the result is his side is now on top of the ladder after seven rounds.

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“At the end of last season I was disappointed with how I played,” McLean told the NT News.

“As a leader you’ve got to lead by example for the rest of the cattle to follow you.”

Wanderers’ pre-season was long and gruelling – its players started training before any other club.

Then when its southern stars arrived – including spearhead Brett Eddy and Brodie Newman – they walked into a club with a sound overall spirit and willingness to work hard for each other.

“Those guys from down south have been awesome – they’ve brought up a great culture with them,” McLean said.

“And they’re setting a good example for us local guys to follow.”

With an impressive and firing mix of local and southern stars, and youth and experience, the Wanderers side will soon be further bolstered by the return of one of its favourite sons.

“Neil Vea Vea broke his ribs (playing for Glenelg in the SANFL),” McLean said.

“But he’s back in full training now.

“He’s back doing full-contact training in Adelaide and he’ll be a fly-in player with us along with Marlon Motlop.

“We might have Neil back either next week or the week after.”