McLean made his debut for Carlton in the first round of 2010, but niggling injuries and knee surgery restricted McLean's playing time for the rest of 2010. He was healthy throughout 2011, but played the majority of the season for Carlton's , the Northern Bullants. He played a total of nineteen games for the Bullants through the season, and won the Laurie Hill Trophy as best and fairest. Despite this good form at VFL level, he could not gain regular selection for Carlton, playing only four AFL matches for the year.