Talented teenage Tiger ‘tall’, Liam McBean, has revealed why he’s so adept at ground level for a player who stands 202cm.
When he was about 16, McBean went from being a midfielder, to a ruckman, courtesy of a huge growth spurt.
“I was a midfielder growing up. I played under dad and he let me run through the midfield. That’s where I tried to work on my skills, left and right side,” McBean said on this week’s episode of “Talking Tigers”.
Sign up as a member for 2014 and get the remainder of 2013 for free.
“It sort of all hit me at once. I grew 10cm in a year, and they basically put me as a ruckman. They said, ‘Sorry, mate, you’re not a midfielder anymore’.
“I still try and play like a midfielder, but now I’ve got to adjust to being a bigger bloke and playing as a bigger bloke.
“I’ll keep working on that, but, hopefully, I can come to a happy medium between the two and, hopefully, I can cause some problems (for opposing teams).”
McBean, who turns 19 in August, was taken by Richmond with its third selection (No. 33 overall) in the 2012 National Draft.
Since arriving at Tigerland, he’s worked hard to build his body up, so he can successfully compete in one-on-one duels with seasoned, big opponents.
“I came in at 86 kilos, so I was pretty light. I still am pretty light on, but I managed to put on about seven and a half kilos this year,” McBean said.
“It’s been a good start for me. It’s a learning experience as well, trying to learn how to listen to my body.
“That’s been a good challenge for me, but one that I think I’ve managed to do successfully, without breaking down my body, which is good.
“I’d love to get around the 100-kilo mark, but at the same time, I want to make sure I’m keeping that in balance.
“The fitness staff will look after me with that because a lot of the strengths I have in my game revolve around the fact that I’m a bit light on and I can move a bit in and out.
“So, that’s something I’ll try to keep working on and hopefully get the balance right to get my weight up.”
McBean has made quite an impression in his first season at VFL level for Coburg, playing predominantly as a forward and consistently kicking goals.
He’s pressed his claims for an AFL debut with Richmond and was named as an emergency for the Tigers’ recent clash with Gold Coast in Cairns.
Running out one day in the famous Yellow and Black colors would be a dream come true for the youngster, who grew up a passionate Richmond supporter.
In the meantime, however, he’s learned to bide his time . . .
“It’s a frustrating process sometimes, but it’s a good learning experience,” McBean said.
“Going up to Cairns and seeing what the boys did in their down time interstate, it prepares you for what you’ve got to expect over the next couple of years, hopefully.
“So, as much as you’re itching to go, and getting a bit impatient, it’s all in good time.
“I don’t think they really want to throw me to the wolves or bust my confidence.
“So, I’m willing to wait as long as they want me to, until they think I’m ready.
“Hopefully, that’ll be sooner rather than later.
“I’d love to play . . .”
