Star midfielder Andrew McGrath has extended his contract for a further two years.

The new deal will see the 22-year-old remain at the Bombers until at least the end of 2022. 

McGrath stepped up as a full-time midfielder in 2020, averaging 22.8 disposals, 4.9 clearances and 4.5 intercepts a game (second highest of all midfielders behind Nat Fyfe), and leading Essendon for ground-ball gets.

He has played 76 games since joining the Bombers in 2016 as the highly touted No.1 draft pick. The impressive youngster won the 2017 AFL Ron Evans Rising Star Award, and in the same year was named the AFLPA’s Best First-Year Player and the club’s Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star. 

McGrath said he was thrilled to remain in the red and black for a further two years. 

“It’s great to be able to put pen to paper on a new deal and I’m thankful to the club for the opportunity and faith they continue to show in me. I am extremely determined to get the best out of myself and this whole playing group in order for us to move forward as a club,” McGrath said.

“There is real belief amongst the players in the next phase we enter under ‘Truck’ (Ben Rutten), and there is some great young talent throughout our playing group so our supporters should be excited by this. Our young group combined with our experienced leaders are extremely committed to growth, improvement and success in the coming years.”

General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said the club was delighted to secure McGrath’s signature for a further two years. 

“Not only is Andy a quality footballer, he is a wonderful person who continues to set the example with his professionalism both on and off the field. Clearly, Andy has very natural leadership qualities at a young age and he is highly respected by his teammates,” Dodoro said.

“He has been one of our most consistent performers through the midfield this year, and his drive and determination to get the most out of himself week in and week out is a credit to him.

“Working closely with our leaders in the midfield, Andy has adapted well to his new role this season and he will continue to learn and develop his game over the coming years.”

This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.