In addition to Australian rules, McCluggage also played junior cricket, hockey, and soccer.

[4] He made his debut in the thirty-one point loss against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium in round three of the 2017 season.

[5] After the sixty point loss to Greater Western Sydney at the Gabba in round 14, in which he recorded nineteen disposals, eight marks and two tackles, he received the round nomination for the 2017 AFL Rising Star.

[6] In 2019 and 2020, McCluggage came third in the Merrett-Murray Medal, and he was runner-up to Dayne Zorko and Lachie Neale in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

[7] A maiden best-and-fairest award eluded McCluggage yet again in 2023, losing to captain Harris Andrews during a year in which the Lions made the grand final.