Brock McLean has been one of Carlton's most consistent players over the past 12 months, but the tough midfielder has almost resigned himself to the idea that he will never again be offered more than a one-year deal.

Last October, the reinvigorated Blue signed the first single-season contract of his 10-year career and will be out of contract at season's end.

However McLean, 27, is comfortable with the prospect of further short-term arrangements, which tally with the desperate, make-or-break approach that he believes has been critical to his rebirth as an AFL player.

The 131-gamer says a trigger clause in his contract requires him to play a designated minimum number of games to guarantee a new deal.

Although he won't specify the exact figure, he says he is on the verge of achieving that tally.

A new contract offer for 2014 – and perhaps beyond – appears a formality regardless, given his strong form and the fact he has played every game this season.

It continues a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the outspoken former Demon, who diced with being dumped by the Blues in his first three years at the club.

"There is a clause in my contract that says if I play a certain number of games I get to sign (on for) another year. I'd have to look over that contract and see, but I think I'm pretty close," he told AFL.com.au's Gen Y Footy program on Wednesday.

"I think it's at the club's discretion. I'd obviously love to sign a two or three-year deal but that's just not up to me any more.

"I think it'll just be one-year deals from now on. But if it ain't broke, don’t fix it."

McLean's AFL career appeared over midway through last season. The former Demon had played 10 games in his first two seasons with Carlton, and then managed just one appearance in the opening eight rounds last year.

However, McLean has since confounded the critics to play in the Blues' past 26 games, during which he has averaged 24.9 disposals and tallied 15 goals.

Despite missing eight games last season, McLean stormed home to finish fourth in Carlton's best and fairest and earn the club's most determined player award. He would likely be in the top five in the club award so far this season.

The Blues' No. 14 leads his club in disposals (equal with Andrew Walker), goal assists (equal with Jeff Garlett) and handballs, is second in clearances, contested possessions and AFL Fantasy points, while he is third in uncontested possessions, and fourth in centre clearances.

All of which is particularly impressive given he has averaged just 73.4 per cent of game time – equal 26th at Carlton.

"About 10 or 11 months ago I was on the scrapheap and was probably preparing for life after footy," McLean said.

"Luckily enough, (I) got another opportunity (and) just took it, and was able to stay in the side and get another contract …

"I think that (form) just comes with a couple of years in a row of getting some pre-seasons under my belt, no injuries, no surgeries, and just confidence in my body and in my form."

However, McLean always feels he is playing for his football life, and actually approaches each game as though it could be his last.

"I still don’t feel safe in the side right now; I play on edge every week," he said. "Each week I go into a game thinking, 'Listen, your position's not safe. You’re not a guaranteed selection every week.'

"That seems to work for me, and I'll continue to do that as long as I keep playing well."

McLean said that in an ideal world he would play for another three seasons and retire at 30.

If that happens, he might well be open to the idea of relocating to Las Vegas, where a close mate lives and works, and where McLean spent the best part of two months on holiday at the end of last season.

"We have spoken about that. He's pretty keen for me to get over there when footy finishes up (to) help him out and get involved with him. It's a possibility," he said.