Andrew McGrath couldn’t ask for much better stages for a milestone game.
When his Bombers face old rivals Collingwood on Friday night, the club’s first and only No.1 draft selection in its history will suit up for his 150th career game, adding another milestone to a career with plenty still lying ahead.
The athleticism, professionalism and reliability which made McGrath such an enticing prospect for recruiters back in 2016 have rung true over his eight years at the Bombers to date, growing into a genuine leader among the current playing group and one of the more admired teammates at the NEC Hangar.
McGrath’s glistening start to life as a Bomber in 2017 saw him heralded with both club and league Rising Star Awards, as well as AFLPA Best First Year Player honours, flourishing in the defensive post he’d eventually gravitate back to as his career went on.
The willingness to match up on stars such as Eddie Betts and Charlie Cameron from early in his tenure highlighted McGrath as a competitor, capable of locking down a dangerous opponent and impacting the game with his leg speed going the other way.
A move into the midfield through the latter stages of 2019 saw strings added to McGrath’s bow, showing signs of his game-breaking run in more advanced areas of the ground – he finished the campaign with a 30-disposal effort in his first career final against the Eagles, setting a good baseline to follow for the coming year.
McGrath had been a shining light in a challenging 2020 for the Dons amid COVID interruptions throughout the season, emerging as a Crichton Medal frontrunner as he thrived in a permanent on-ball role, averaging 23 disposals per game (on shortened minutes) across the opening 14 games.
Taking home the Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player award at the conclusion of 2020, as well as being named Captain of the AFLPA 22under22 team, McGrath was establishing himself as a leader within the Bombers’ young squad.
Despite a pair of long-term injuries curtailing the back ends of his 2020 and ’21 seasons, McGrath was flourishing as a dynamic run-and-carry player, utilised to great effect across both half back and the middle and averaging 26 touches per game in the first half of 2021.
After being elevated to Deputy Vice-Captain in 2022, McGrath’s standing was shown even further under Brad Scott the following year, named as sole Vice-Captain under incumbent skipper Zach Merrett.
The leading pair have been integral in fortifying a renewed culture at the Bombers, with McGrath’s move back to defence in that time getting even more out of the 26-year-old’s production.
McGrath’s solid 2024 campaign has helped set the tone in an improved Essendon back six, opening the year in All Australian form and aiding the side’s surge up the ladder in the early stages of the season.
One of the most highly regarded people within the four walls at the Bombers, McGrath’s also won honours for the Bruce Heymanson Best Clubman (2023) and the John Kilby Staff and Trainers Award (2022-’23), reflective of his character both on and off the field.
McGrath's set for game No.150 when the Dons face the Pies at 7:40pm on Friday night.
