A Vision for the AFL in Darwin
Michael McLean, known affectionately as “Magic,” has big dreams for the future of Australian Football League (AFL) in the Northern Territory. He envisions a scenario where the AFL establishes its 20th team in Darwin, which he believes would make a significant impact on Indigenous communities and the sport itself.
McLean is also passionate about having nine games per season held in Darwin, a move he thinks would bring more exposure to the region and inspire young Indigenous players. His vision aligns with the goals of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, an annual event celebrating Indigenous contributions to the sport. This year, McLean was honored as the round’s guest, highlighting his respected status within the AFL community.
At the launch of the round in Melbourne, McLean’s influence was evident. Current Indigenous players, such as North Melbourne midfielder Jy Simpkin and West Coast player Malakai Champion, made it a point to engage with him. Even St Kilda coach Ross Lyon reached out to McLean before a game against Gold Coast in Darwin, suggesting that every team could play a game in the Top End each season.
However, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon dismissed the idea, stating that three or four games would be sufficient for now. Despite this, McLean remains optimistic about the potential for more games in Darwin. He believes the exposure would greatly benefit Indigenous youth.
“I just thought it was a great thing, in terms of exposure for our kids and our people,” McLean said. “It changes the whole community up there – the whole community comes alive. You get to see these players live and the dream becomes a bit more of a reality.”
McLean is also a strong advocate for the Northern Territory joining the AFL, similar to Tasmania. While acknowledging the logistical challenges, he believes the opportunity is worth pursuing.
“You just make it work. The opportunity would be great. A 20th team – I think they need one, there’s a lot of talk about it and we have a taskforce up there,” he said. “It’s a little bit like ‘Why not’?”
Being recognized as the latest honouree in the AFL’s Indigenous round means a lot to McLean. He acknowledges the legacy of past players and feels humbled by the respect he receives from current athletes.
“It means a lot – it feels pretty cool, pretty special, a little bit surreal,” he said. “I know there have been a lot of past players way better than me. On reflection, I could mix it with most, but I achieved a little bit along the way. I’m comfortable with that, along with the stuff I’ve given back in the community as well. It’s nice, it’s a respect thing (from current players). We understand how it works, the elders are really important and I still feel like I’m 45, not 61.”
Over the past 30 years, McLean has dedicated himself to working with at-risk youth, making him acutely aware of the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities. One of the pressing issues is the decline in the number of Indigenous players in the AFL. McLean is committed to supporting initiatives that address this issue and encourage more Indigenous talent to reach the highest level of the sport.
“I just want to keep things moving and make a difference along the way,” McLean said. “It’s important that we improve in all aspects and I think we are improving – at what rate, I’m not sure. I’m just glad we’re having the conversations. We get moving, we get on with it and we get some more Indigenous players at the highest level.”
When asked to name his favorite current Indigenous player, McLean hesitated briefly before settling on two names: St Kilda’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett.
“You have ‘Nas’ and you have ‘Kozi’ – they’re probably the two, right now. And there’s no reason others can’t be pushing those guys,” he said.
