Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel has praised the efforts of young teammate Andy McGrath in the Bombers' win over Sydney.  

McGrath finished with 21 disposals and five marks in a highly contested battle against the Swans, breaking the game open in the final term with his run and carry.

Shiel acknowledged McGrath's ability to remain focused when the pressure was on.

“It was an impressive game from Andy. When we needed him to stand up, he certainly did,” Shiel said on RSN. 

“Even when he made an error in the last quarter, he was able to let that go and keep going about his footy. 

“He goes about his game in a really good way. He is a guy who has great attributes to his footy and they were on full display, particularly when the game was on the line in the last quarter he was able to show some great speed out of the contest with good composure.” 

Though the 21-year-old has been recognised inside the club for his performances in recent weeks, Shiel said McGrath would continue to strive for improvement. 

“He is constantly working on his game and he’s not going to be complacent with where he is at. He’s always looking to improve.” 

McGrath has relished more midfield minutes in 2019, playing every game to average 21 disposals, four marks and three tackles. 

Essendon will take on North Melbourne this Saturday in the Tackling Childhood Cancer game.