Zac McLean - Ageing like a fine wine

Former proud Everton Wolves Junior, Zac McLean will play his 200^th senior game for the Mayne Tigers this Saturday at the Den in the qualifying semi final against the UQ Red Lions.

There has already been plenty written about Zac “Magic” McLean as you might imagine over this incredible journey to this considerable milestone. Even a nickname needs to be shortened and so our hero has been affectionately known as Mag since his days emerging into his senior career.

In 2023, we reported on Mag’s 150^th senior game reflecting on how quickly he had progressed to that milestone and now just three seasons on we are here to celebrate only the twelfth Mayne player to reach 200 games with the eleventh being his good mate Jack Collings earlier in the 2026 season.

The last three seasons have seen Mag play some of his most impressive and consistent football while not missing a game until the birth of his twins this year to wife Madz. In 2023, we reflected on his newly achieved fatherhood with the birth of Maisie and we can now firmly say that marriage and parenthood has only made him better which is quite the statement considering his achievements since his last milestone.

A quick thumbnail reflection to 2023 included three senior premierships, a club champion award and a promotion to Club Captain as well as representative honours and numerous other awards.

However, since then he has upped the ante to two more senior premierships in 2024 and 2025 including a stunning five goal Best on Ground performance in a Captain’s grand final game in the centenary premiership in 2024. He has been a leading partner in the Tigers three pronged forward line over the last three years kicking 142 goals boosting his total for the Tigers to a remarkable 349 goals to date and with the finals series to play in 2026.

A lightly built player who has played tall and small in numerous roles over the years, he continues to improve with age. The last four years has seen him close to the top of the leader board in club best and fairest polling taking out two Most Consistent Awards, a Third Best and Fairest and then an Andrew Housego Runner Up Best and Fairest in 2025.

Zac was rewarded for his dedication to the Tigers in 2024 with Hall of Fame Membership and then Life Membership in 2025 for his work on and off the field. An impressive and consistent leader on and off the field, he has been one of the key ingredients to the club’s success over the last thirteen years.

Mag has also given his time back to his junior club, the Everton Wolves performing coaching roles and helping out where possible over the length of his senior career and continues to share his skills and football knowledge to the next generation whether they are players who have already graduated to the Tigers or they are in the pathway.

The Mayne Football Club thanks Mag for his dedication and loyalty to the club over this long period, wishes him well for this milestone game and for many more.

The following dedications are provided by Mag’s coaches and team mates.

Mag, 200 games, five premierships, a Club Best & Fairest and a Best on Ground performance in the 2024 Grand Final are some pretty impressive achievements. Across the past 3 years you have regularly kicked multiple goals and had 30+ disposals; a very impressive stat line for a fwd. 

One of the things I’ve really appreciated as your coach is your willingness to do whatever the team needs. Over the last few years you’ve played roles and positions that I’m sure you never expected you’d be playing. My personal favourite was unleashing the “Magvantage”. 

Congratulations on an outstanding milestone, Mag. Hopefully there’s a few more big moments to come.

Jack Gartlan - Coach

I've been lucky enough to coach some great players, but Mag is one of those rare blokes who leaves a mark far beyond just game day. The five premierships, leadership roles and individual honours tell part of the story, but it's the standards he sets, the way he competes and the way he puts the club first that make him special. Loved the many goals you have kicked in the potent forward line over the past 3 years mate. Congratulations on 200 senior games, Mag. One of the greats of our footy club.

Jeremy Watts

Mag is just a genuine footballer and knows where to be and what to do in any situation on the field. His first 7-8 years were in the midfield where he racked up the disposals every week, and his last 3 years he has kicked over 50 goals as season playing forward with the occassional bit of ruck time. He also won a flag playing off the half back. Huge effort to play so well in any role! 5 senior premierships, a best and fairest and a couple of most determineds show the impact he has had on field. Off field, he and Mords were dominant, taking charge of most events and leading the way. Huge effort to play 200 games for the mighty Tigers! Congrats on a great career!

Jack Collings #9

Mag won’t need too much of a gas up from me here. Confidence in his abilities on the field (and off the field, however unfounded) has always been his signature and what makes him such a great teammate to be around and a nightmare matchup. If you give him an inch, he won’t let you or anyone forget about it. 200 is an incredible mark along with an already HOF resume and a lovely young family life demanding plenty of attention outside of football. 2 more wins and you can bust out that filthy green suit again. LFG

Kyle Henry

Zac “Magic” Maclean has been a true champion for the Tigers over the last decade. I’ve seen the great man kick some incredible goals from seemingly impossible angles all around the ground. A true gentleman off the field and an inspiring leader on it. It’s been awesome to see him become a father of three over the past three years so effortlessly. 

While most people call him Mag he actually prefers the nickname “Tex” these days.

Eddie Mallan

I remember coaching Zac as a 6 y.o , 16 y.o at the Wolves, as a 26 y.o at the Tigers…joined at the hip to his little mate Jordy!!! From the cradle to some Danglies, fines at the cricket, now he’s a big boy with his own cradle & 3 more junior Wolves!! 

Enjoy the 200^th Magic…I look fwd to the Red Rooster after the game !  

Seeya mate 

Danny “The Chip” Craven 

What a great achievement for you and your family! 200 games for one club just shows the dedication through the ups and downs over many years! I’ve had the pleasure of knowing you as a scrawny back flanker, mozzie squad member, chase down tackler (he’s probably shown you), magvantage ruckman but taking the third best defender these days is your thing. You’re aging like fine wine! Love playing with you week in and week out. You’re the ever reliable. Enjoy the me time! Many more to come for sure! Can’t wait to play with you and your boys in the future at the tiges. Love ya mate 

Jack Coghlan

Zac “the Package” McLean - what an absolute weapon. I was introduced to Maj as our unofficial ‘off-field captain’ in 2021 where he welcomed me to the club through the preseason and club events. Since then Maj is someone I’ve grown close with and am lucky to run out with each week. They call him the Package because he really can do it all (except defend). I’ve seen him clean up on the ball, in the ruck and of course kicking bags of goals - which he is most commonly known for. The legacy Maj has left on the club cannot be understated. Club bnf, leader of goal scorer, norm smith 2024 - what a resume. Congrats on 200 mate, hopefully we can add another dangly to that resume this year!

Louis Quin

Congrats Madge on reaching the 200 game milestone! Phenomenal effort and excited to share milestones with you. Madge has been a consistent presence around the club since I arrived and a great leader for the boys both on and off field.As a fellow Everton junior Madge me welcome straight away and got me straight into the Tigers fantasy draft league (a good commissioner despite allegations of collusion). Has been a pleasure to see you become a great dad and partner for your family. You've pretty much achieved it all as a premiership captain, winning a GF BOG medal, league goal kicking and a best and fairest and hopefully we can tick off another flag for you this year!

Daniel Schmidt

It’s hard thinking of something new to write about Mag that he hasn’t probably already said about himself… “magician”, “elite”, “the full package”. In all fairness, a lot of it he isn’t wrong about. Absolutely one of the best players I’ve played alongside, and will probably go down as one of the all-time great Mayne ruckman after his 2024 GF domination. In all seriousness though, it’s been an absolute pleasure playing alongside you mate. Love the way you go about it both on and off the field (albeit this part of your game has faltered a bit recently), and stoked that I’ve had a chance to be part of it. Congrats on the 200th, just make sure you’re still looking for me in the goal square.

Zach Quin

200 games is a ridiculous milestone.

Maj is a consistent performer on the field, and always manages to kick 2 or 3 every game. A seriously underrated runner and also quietly rates himself as the best third string ruckman in the comp.

I think everyone would agree that being able to balance your new family, new business and keep playing footy is pretty inspiring.

Congrats on the milestone mate and thanks for all the care and leadership you’ve shown over the years. You’ve been a great leader and role model for the team and for me personally.

Love from Casey Barbs #3

Congratulations Madge on 200 games! Insane effort mate. You've come a long way from when we used to kick the footy down on the school oval with your brother and my old man! You've always been a gun at footy and a great bloke off the field. Beautiful young family too. Looking forward to running out with you and seeing you kick a bag! 

James Stolz

Magic! Congrats on 200 games mate. An amazing and deserving achievement for one of the great Mayne Tigers of the recent era. From junior flags together at Everton when you didn’t speak, to now being one of the chirpiest players on the field. BnFs, senior flags, norm smiths, rep sides and votes at Gilligans - you have built an impressive footy resume at the club and one that is respected by many. Have shared many great times on field as part of the mozzie squad and plenty more off-field where you truly shine on silly sundays. Absolutely love running out there with you and proud to call you a close mate. Kick a bag this weekend Johnny Coleman!

Jasper Craven

From humble beginnings at the famous footy factory that is the Everton Wolves; it’s been fantastic to see you continue on and have the amazing career that you’ve had mate. To be able to play alongside you has been an added bonus! 

Watching you grow into a leader, and one of my best mates has been particularly special. Watching you parade around on Silly Sunday in that money suit year after year…not so special.

Congratulations on reaching yet another incredible milestone in the Black and Gold!

Eat ‘em alive Jack Madg !

Love,

Xavier Craven #4

Congrats Mag on an unreal unbelievable milestone. Who would have thought the average bloke could make a career as a part time ruck and full time goal sneak! It has been nothing short of amazing to get to be part of just a portion of this milestone, someone that I have looked up to since my first run with the Tigers, as a leader, player and friend. No matter the challenges you have faced in the time with the Tigers ranging from Captaining a flag, to raising a family and growing a business while still sending blokes for an early shower most Saturdays, we know we will get the exact same package deal show up and challenge any team’s 3^rd best defender each week. In all seriousness mate, I think I speak on behalf of a number of the playing group and club members, what you have been able to give to the club through creating a culture and level of commitment and superb playing performances has been second to none, a genuine Mayne Tiger. Congratulations on the milestone and can’t wait to run out with you on the weekend!

Ryan Doolan