Essendon Vice-Captain Andrew McGrath has signed a six-year deal to stay with the club until at least the end of 2030.

The 25-year-old was initially set to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end but has elected to remain a one-club player, showing his loyalty to the Bombers.

McGrath joins a long line of Bombers including Kyle Langford, Nic Martin, Zach Merrett, Mason Redman and Darcy Parish to have signed long-term deals, with 11 players on the list now signed until at least 2027.

With his long-term commitment to the club, McGrath is excited to continue playing a vital role in the Bombers’ build under Senior Coach Brad Scott.

“I am super excited to commit to the football club long-term, I believe in the vision and direction wholeheartedly. My love for the playing group, support staff and coaches inevitably made this decision super easy,” McGrath said.

"Essendon showed belief and trust in me as an 18-year-old, and I am extremely grateful to be a one club player. Essendon is a club with rich history, and an extremely loyal supporter base.

"I hope we can make our members and supporters proud and produce performances that Essendon people can take pride in.”

The only No.1 draft pick in the club’s history, McGrath has established himself as a consummate leader and professional since joining Essendon at the end of 2016.

Winning both the AFLPA Best First Year Player and Rising Star Award in his debut season, McGrath made a fast start to life as a Bomber in 2017 and has continued to flourish since.

McGrath was named in the AFLPA 22under22 side every year from 2017-’20 and selected as its Captain in 2020 – the same year he earned the club’s Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player Award.

Over that period, McGrath showed his ability to lock down forwards on the last line of defence, provide dash off half back and even venture into the midfield as a permanent on-baller in 2020.

Despite experiencing two injury-riddled campaigns in 2020 and 2021, McGrath has rebounded to play arguably the best football of his career in the past three seasons, thriving in a more familiar defensive role.

First named as Deputy Vice-Captain in 2022, McGrath has owned his role as sole Vice-Captain over the past two seasons under Skipper Zach Merrett, becoming an important leader within the Bombers’ young playing group.

“Brad has been an amazing leader and mentor for me, I cannot wait to continue my career under him and learn as much as I can to become a better player and better person," McGrath said.

"My belief and enthusiasm for our younger players is also something that excites me greatly. The growth in this group is enormous and I firmly believe our best footy is ahead of us.

"Our playing group is determined to grow and push our boundaries to become a great team. We understand more and more each day what that will take, and the hard work required. But I firmly believe success and improvement is in our capability.

"To all the Bomber fans, a huge thank you for your unconditional support and love throughout my journey so far. I cannot wait to hear your roar and encouragement as we progress on the field.”

In 2023, McGrath averaged 22 disposals and five rebound 50’s per game to finish fourth in the Crichton Medal, also receiving honours as the Bruce Heymanson Best Clubman and John Kilby Staff and Trainers’ Award.

This year, McGrath has again taken his game to new heights, averaging 25 disposals per game and frequently standing up in big moments for the Bombers, including an Anzac Day performance that ranks among his best outings for the club, finishing second in the Anzac Medal voting.

McGrath is on track to hold career-highs in disposals, inside 50’s and rebound 50’s per game this season, currently sitting eighth in the competition for total rebounds and third for bounces.

GM – AFL Daniel McPherson is excited to see McGrath extend with the Bombers, highlighting his importance to the club’s future.

“Andy is playing the best footy of his career and driving a culture of continuous growth, high performance and professionalism at Essendon,” McPherson said.  

"He is a terrific Essendon person that is committed to getting the best out of himself and his teammates. His relentless pursuit toward excellence is admired and respected by everyone at Essendon.

"It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Essendon Football Club and to have our Vice-Captain recommit to Essendon for life is a ringing endorsement for the environment we are building and an indication of how much he loves the club, its members and supporters, his teammates, coaches and all staff. 

"This contract is great recognition of Andy’s career to this point, but more importantly represents how highly we regard him at Essendon, and how integral we believe he will be in helping lead us to becoming the team and club we all aspire to be.”