Stags to Watch in 2026-27: Rory McLean - Gordon DCC

Rory McLean's development as a cricketer began on the Far North Coast of New South Wales in Lismore. Following in the footsteps of his father, Paul McLean, and brother, Sam, Rory joined the Lismore Workers Cricket Club. He quickly distinguished himself as a top-order wicketkeeper-batsman.

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At just 12 years old, Rory captained the North Coast team before being selected to captain the NSW Primary Schools 12 & Under team at the national championships in Adelaide.

By age 13, he was playing first-grade adult cricket in the Far North Coast L J Hooker competition alongside junior competitions where he recorded unbeaten centuries.

As McLean progressed through the teenage age-bracket pathways, he represented the North Coast region at multiple NSW Country Championships, showcasing both his tactical leadership and top-order batting reliability.

At the NSW Country U19 Championships, McLean captained the North Coast side and finished as the second-highest run-scorer overall, compiling 217 runs at an average of 54.25.

His performances earned him selection in the NSW All-Schools representative team as well as the NSW Country U19 team at the Cricket Australia National Championships.

Carrying on a family connection to the club—his father Paul having played for Gordon District Cricket Club in the early 1990s—Rory made his move to Sydney Premier Cricket with Gordon.

His transition into Grade cricket saw rapid growth across both top-order batting and wicketkeeping duties, earning him Gordon DCC's prestigious Dick Guy Award for Under 21 Player of the Year.

McLean broke into the first grade team early in the 2025-26 season and, by seasons end, was the leading run scorer for the team, amassing 411 runs at 34.25. He was unlucky not to notch up his maiden first grade century, left unbeaten on 93 as the stags were knocked over for 270 by Sydney Cricket Club. He also claimed 9 catches and one stumping as he took over the keeping duties part way through the season.

Look for more from this stylish keeper-batsman as the season kicks off in a few weeks time.