McLean made his first grade debut for Newtown against St George in Round 9 1939 at Earl Park, Arncliffe.
Newtown reached the preliminary final against Canterbury-Bankstown but lost the match 19–11, with McLean scoring a try in the defeat.
In 1944, McLean was part of the Newtown side which won the minor premiership and reached the grand final.
Due to the rules at the time, Newtown were permitted to ask for a rematch as they had finished as minor premiers and used their right to challenge.
In the grand final challenge, McLean again played at centre as Newtown were defeated for a second time by Balmain 12–8 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.