AFL 2023: Hayden McLean ready for Fremantle challenge as Swans’ forward turns No. 1 ruckman

The Swans went into a clash against Tim English without a recognised ruckman – enter Hayden McLean. The big man opens up on taking over the mantle.

Hayden McLean has been given the reins as Sydney’s main ruckman going forward. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Hayden McLean is no stranger to a daunting away trip against Fremantle.

In 2019, he made his AFL debut for the Swans at Optus Stadium. Sydney’s lone ruckman, he took on the formidable trio of Aaron Sandilands, Sean Darcy and Rory Lobb.

“I think me and (Robbie) Foxy were number one and two against them,” McLean said.

“I got thrown in the deep end straight away, which was a good challenge as well.”

The Swans narrowly lost the game by a point and went down in the hitout department 53-18.

Hayden McLean does battle with Rory Lobb during his AFL debut in 2019. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

But it was the springboard for McLean’s career, and he returns to Perth in a familiar scenario on Saturday with Sydney entrusting their finals hopes in him as their No. 1 ruckman.

While there will be no Sandilands (retired) or Darcy (injured) this time around, McLean will still have to deal with the ever-improving Luke Jackson.

“It’s a good challenge for me, to compete and try and halve the contests and do what I can do around the ground,” McLean said.

“I do love playing forward and that’s probably my primary role. But having that secondary ruck option, I do enjoy it.

“I feel like my running ability can be a real plus for that.”

After a disappointing display by Tom Hickey against Richmond a fortnight ago, John Longmire threw McLean into the fire to take on the Bulldogs at home.

Up against Tim English, many critics’ pick as the All-Australian ruckman in 2023, the Swans lost the hitout count 68-34 but came away with a vital two-point win.

English dominated the ruck battle but McLean and the Swans came away with the win. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos

The numbers might have suggested a change in strategy, but Longmire saw exactly what he wanted from McLean.

“It was a tough night for him, and English is a good player,” Longmire said.

“But we wanted the whole balance of the team. It’s a bit about ruck contests but it’s also a bit about what we’re doing at ground level and the whole combination.”

McLean has worked hard on trying to develop his game at stoppages – his 25 hit outs against the Bulldogs was the best tally of his career. At his disposal has been the experience of Hickey as well as ruck coach Dean Cox.

“With Coxy, he says to just keep it predictable for the mids,” McLean said.

“Obviously they don’t expect me to go out there and have 60 hit-outs. But it’s about not letting them get on top and to keep their ruckman thinking.

“He’s also been giving me tips to help as an undersized ruckman.”

Dean Cox has had a big influence on the development of McLean. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The dilemma going forward now for the Swans will be balancing their plethora of talls.

They go in against Fremantle with McLean, Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald and Buddy Franklin up forward.

Waiting in the wings are Hickey and Peter Ladhams who made his return through the VFL last weekend. The 209cm Lachlan McAndrew is another option who has already been called upon twice this year.

“At the start of the year, we didn’t have a lot of [tall] options,” McLean said. “But now with everyone coming back … there is a competition for spots.

“Over the season it does make us all better and hungry to hold that spot. It makes the team better and it gives us a lot of options.”

McLean’s form is a perfect example of that. The clash against Fremantle will be his 16th of the year, the most games he has played in a season.

McLean hopes to extend his stay in Sydney and knows his versatility can be a big asset. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Off-contract at the end of 2023, the 24-year-old is already in discussions about extending his stay in Sydney – and showing what he can do in the ruck is just adding another string to his bow.

“We’re in talks, but I love the club and I love the boys around here,” he said. “Having that ability to pinch it in the ruck if they need, or sometimes be that ruck, is only going to help [with a new deal].

“I had a big pre-season this season, put on a lot of weight and felt confident going in. I felt like my body had matured a lot more and had built a lot more forward craft which I think in the long run has helped me.

“[Sydney] gave me that opportunity after missing one or two drafts. I always had that sense of making that pick worth it and giving that loyalty back to them.”

Originally published as AFL 2023: Hayden McLean ready for Fremantle challenge as Swans’ forward turns No. 1 ruckman