CARLTON midfielder Brock McLean is on the verge of signing a one-year contract extension, just months after he intended to retire.
McLean, 28, was languishing in the VFL earlier in the season and had told coach Mick Malthouse he wanted to end his 11-year career.
But after returning to the seniors to play 16 games, the love has returned for the robust midfielder, and Carlton are set to offer him a new deal.
McLean told News Limited a meeting with a sports psychologist had helped him turn the corner.
"I think being dropped to the VFL might have spurred me on a little bit," he said.
"I’m a bit of a proud person and I sort of said to myself: ‘Well, if you’re going to go out, you’re not going to go out like this’.
"I’m back in love with the game again."
McLean has played 63 games in five seasons with the Blues after being traded from Melbourne at the end of 2009.
He said his body was in good shape to go around again.
"At the moment I’m enjoying my footy and I want to go around next year, and the club have indicated to me that they want me to go around next year," he said.
"My exit meeting with Mick, Rob Wiley, Andy McKay and David Buttifant went really well, so we expect to get it done soon.
"I actually enjoy the one-year deals to be honest, because I’m at the stage of my career now where things can change pretty quickly.
"I’m actually excited about the end of my career and getting into the real world and getting a real job and living a real life and not living in this bubble we call football."
