Austin Crow Blake McLean Off to Collingwood

The Austin Crows recently saw the departure of star backman Blake McLean who has finished his Master's of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Texas in Austin. In exciting news, Blake has secured a position in the Sports Science department at Collingwood Football Club. After meeting with several AFL clubs, Blake was excited about the Sports Science department at Collingwood and their commitment to innovation moving forward.

Under the tutelage of renowned Aussie Rules fitness coach and Collingwood Director of Sports Science David Buttifant, Blake has secured a three year PhD Scholarship studying under Buttifant at the Australian Catholic University. The program aims to bring new research initiatives in fitness training and recovery to the club and the AFL.

While studying at the University of Texas, Blake worked in the Human Performance Laboratory, and had close involvement in the training of the Women's NCAA soccer team. On the footy field, Blake will be missed with his trademark white zinc covering his entire face, his runs off half back and long kicks forward. Playing two years with the Crows, Blake won the 2011 USAFL Division Three Paul Roos medal for Best and Fairest at Nationals and the 2011 Crows Best and Fairest.

The Austin Crows and the USAFL would like to wish Blake good luck in his new endeavors in footy back in Australia.