BIO

Connor McLean began his football career with the Central District Football Club under 13s.

In 2014 the talented sportsman was selected in the Australian Under 19 cricket squad, and also played under 18 football for South Australia.

The Kapunda youngster played a lot of his early football in the Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association, as well as Central District. A key forward, he could also play in defence or have a run as a ruckman.

He was particularly impressive representing the State in its two victories versus Victorian Country in the national Under 18 championships.

McLean made his league debut for Central District in 2015.

After 30 games and 25 goals for the Bulldogs, McLean transferred to Norwood for the start of the 2022 season looking for more opportunities at senior level.  He had played nine games in 2021 and, given that he had started at Central District as a 12 year old, felt he needed a new challenge.

McLean was an important member of the Norwood 2022 SANFL premiership winning side, playing 22 matches and kicking 34 goals.

He won the Redlegs leading goal kicker trophy in 2022 and 2023 (24 goals).

Hampered by injuries however, he made the decision to retire at the end of the 2025 season

At career end the mobile big man had played 79 league matches and kicked 105 goals.

McClean was appointed Norwood Under 16 coach a few weeks after announcing his retirement as a player at SANFL level.

R. Cialini   November, 2025