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AFL Daily

Story behind the story: He's got the Magic in him

5/15/202615 min

Nat Edwards and Michael Whiting bring you this Saturday feature edition of AFL Daily.

Magic McLean is this years honourary as part of Sir Doug Nichols Round.

Fish recently spent time with McLean in Darwin to find out how he ended up making his way into the VFL and playing with Footscray. His journey became a path blazed for many indigenous players to follow.

The story behind the story with one of the games greats.

>>> Read Michael Whiting's piece here 

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Clips

Behind AFL's Anti-Racism Push
The One-Session Deal
From Clinic To VFL Dream
Three Ds And Fifteen Ks
Why They Called Him 'Magic'
McLeod's Idol, Territory's Trailblazer

Transcript preview

First 90 seconds

  1. Nat Edwards· Host0:00

    You're listening to AFL Daily. On our Saturday edition, we like to get the story behind the story. It is, of course, Saturday, May 16. We are in Sir Doug Nicholls Round, and the one and only Michael Whiting from Queensland joins me for this special edition. Fish, welcome to you.

  2. Michael Whiting· Guest0:18

    Thanks, Nat. It's my first time. I'm very excited.

  3. Nat Edwards· Host0:21

    Oh, it's great to have you on here. You are a great writer. And, uh, this week you have done a feature piece on Michael Magic McLean, who is our Sir Doug Nicholls Round honoree for 2026. Such a fascinating story. For those who haven't read it, please check it out on afl.com.au and the AFL Live app. I mean, for 40 years, or over 40 years, he has made a magnificent contribution to the game, both on and off the field. He's changed the lives of other players. Um, he's changed his own life. But also, he has been a strong advocate in the fight against racism, Fish. Just firstly, for those who don't know Michael Magic McLean, just give us a little bit of a background around him.

  4. Michael Whiting· Guest1:08

    Yeah, Nat, he's g- got a, such an intriguing life on and off the footy field. Uh, he's born and raised in the Territory, in, in Darwin. Um, his father was a, a crocodile shooter, which I just find intriguing in itself. Um, and he was just terrific at all sports growing up. He played a bit of everything. He was a terrific boxer.

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