The round 11 clash would have been the first time the former Demon midfielder would have taken on his old side.
McLean’s move to Visy Park was one of the big talking points during last year’s AFL trade week, the Blues giving up pick 11 in exchange for the hard-at-it ballwinner.
However, coach Brett Ratten has denied the 24-year-old a chance to face up to former teammates, cutting him from his squad despite McLean collecting 19 disposals and laying nine tackles in the Blues’ solid win over West Coast last round.
“A little bit, yeah a little bit,” Bailey said when asked if he was surprised by McLean’s absence from the Carlton team.
While Carlton didn’t specify a reason for McLean’s omission, the Melbourne coach hinted the clearance specialist might be carrying an injury.
“In last week’s game ... he came off with an ankle,” he said.
“I know that Brock’s pretty tough [but] I know that he’s played through these type of injuries before, so it must be a little bit more serious than perhaps they’re letting on.
“I’m sure Brock would be keen to go and keen to play this week but I think they’ve [Carlton] got their legitimate reasons why he’s not ... we’ll have to wait for next year.”
Bailey said his players weren’t too concerned their former teammate wouldn’t be fronting up on Saturday, despite the likely spice his appearance would have added to the contest after he walked out on the club.
“If Brock’s there, he’s there,” Bailey said.
“If he’s not, I don’t think that affects how we’re going to play tomorrow.”
While much of the focus heading into the clash is on McLean’s omission, Melbourne has regained two of its emerging stars with Tom Scully and Jack Trengove returning after a week’s rest.
“They’re looking forward to the challenge,” Bailey said from the Junction Oval on Friday morning.
“They’re jumping out of their skin. They’ve trained particularly well, both of them, so we’re expecting good things from them.
“We’re not expecting it to be the greatest of all games from them but we expect them to really contribute like they have for most of the year.”
The Demons, with a 4-6 record and 12th on the ladder, meet sixth-placed Carlton before meeting Collingwood on the Queen’s Birthday holiday.
