Andrew McGrath Biography

Zach Merrett is named Essendon captain for the 2023 season, with Andy McGrath to serve as vice-captain.

"It is a huge honour to be selected as the next captain of Essendon," Merrett said.

"This is a great club with a great future, and I look forward to playing my role as an on-field and off-field leader. I feel very humble to have been given this opportunity."

Dyson Heppell will captain the Essendon for the sixth straight year in 2022, supported by vice-captain Zach Merrett and deputy vice-captain Andrew McGrath.

Michael Hurley, who was in the four-man leadership group in 2022, has dropped out as he focuses on his return from a hip injury.

Andy McGrath is facing three months on the sidelines after scans revealed a grade two posterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in the Bombers' loss to Richmond.

Andrew McGrath will sit out next week's pre-season clash with Carlton under the AFL's new concussion protocols after receiving a head knock at training.

Dyson Heppell is named captain of Essendon for another season in 2021 and will be supported by Michael Hurley, Andrew McGrath and Zach Merrett.

"Dyson, Michael, Zach and Andy each possess outstanding work ethic, professionalism and commitment to the Essendon Football Club," Essendo coach Ben Rutten said.

"These players lead by example and are committed to the program's values, so they are each to be congratulated on this achievement."

Andrew McGrath signs a two-year deal to remain at Essendon until the end of 2022.

"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," McGrath said.

"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."

Andrew McGrath is ruled out for the rest of the Bombers' 2020 home and away campaign following confirmation of a syndesmosis injury.

"Andrew has sustained a moderate-grade syndesmosis injury. These injuries can be managed either surgically or conservatively," Essendon head of medical services David Rundle said.

"He will have a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon in Brisbane tomorrow to determine whether he should undergo a surgical stabilisation procedure. Either way, he would typically be expected to miss a minimum of six weeks."

Andrew McGrath is ready for a full-time midfield role in 2018 according to Bombers assistant coach Mark Harvey.

"He's a serious talent. We saw what he did in his first year and he played with great composure and he's really good in close and makes quick decisions," Harvey said.

"He won't be left wanting."

Andrew McGrath signs a two-year contract extension with Essendon to remain at the club until the end of 2020.

"I always want to get better every year I play, and that will be no different this season, so hopefully I can build on my game and take it to the next level," he said.

"I believe we are building something really special here. We have a lot of young talent and experience on our list, we are really driving to achieve the ultimate success."

Andy McGrath is set for more time in the midfield in 2018 for Essendon.

"I played the last four or so games in the midfield last year, so I assume I'll move into the midfield development group and divisional group," McGrath told reporters.

"I'll do a lot of my craft and skill work with the mids and whether I play there round one, I'm not really sure yet, but we'll see."

Andrew McGrath is crowned the NAB AFL Rising Star winner for 2017.

"Everyone has their own story and all the Rising Star winners have their own story, but I'm keen to write my own one and wherever that takes me it takes me I guess," McGrath said after being awarded the Ron Evans Medal.

"I'll strive to be the best player I can be and that's all you can control. You can't look at how good all the players are before me, but I'll do my best to be the best player I can and wherever that leaves me it leaves me."

Andrew McGrath is the round 4 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee after gathering a career-high 28 disposals with a disposal efficiency of over 85 percent against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.

Andrew McGrath makes his AFL debut for Essendon at the MCG with 22 disposals (12 kicks and 10 handballs), 6 marks and 5 tackles in a 25-point win over Hawthorn.

Essendon will unveil its No.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath in a round one blockbuster clash against Hawthorn at the MCG.

"We just want him to back himself in and believe in himself. Your first game is always a massive learning curve," Essendon coach John Worsfold said.

"We're not expecting him to be a game-breaker. We just want him to get out there and enjoy the experience."

Essendon will take a cautious approach with No.1 pick Andrew McGrath in his debut season, with coach John Worsfold mindful of the injury issues suffered by young star Jaeger O'Meara after a hectic start to his career.

"I'm conscious that as good as Jaeger O'Meara was in his first couple of years, maybe his body wasn't ready to cope with those sort of demands. He's struggled for a couple of years," Worsfold said.

"I've told [McGrath] that he's not out of selection for round one, but that I really want to make sure we're not overexposing him where at some point that the load will make him susceptible to a long-term injury."

Less than two weeks after being Essendon's first No.1 pick, Andrew McGrath has been handed the club's No.1 guernsey for 2017.

"On our lockers are the names of the past players who have worn the guernsey and a list of their achievements," McGrath said.

"It certainly gives you motivation before training and reminds you of the hard work you need to put in if you want to achieve the ultimate team success."

Essendon select Andrew McGrath with pick No.1 in the 2016 National Draft.

"He will be a great Essendon person. I’m really confident that in the years to come he’ll be up there with a lot of the Essendon greats," Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro said.

“He’s just got that constitution about him, he’s a winner. Everything he does is about winning, he’s such a determined young man, he’ll give it his best shot and he won’t let anyone down."

Mike Pyke says he will closely follow the career of fellow Canadian and No.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath.

"Everything I've read about him points to him being a class act," Pyke said.

"I'm sure someone of his talent will attract a lot of interest back home."

Possible No.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath believes he can fill a similar role to Jason Johannisen at AFL level, who he believes has brought the creative defender role back into vogue.

The versatile McGrath, who is one of up to five players vying to be the top pick in this year's NAB AFL Draft, can play at half-back or through the midfield, with his pace and decision-making notable assets.

"The emergence of Jason Johannisen has really helped me," McGrath said.

"Previously that dashing half-back hasn't really been a massive role, but this year there's been heaps of players go through there (for the Bulldogs).

"The Bulldogs have shown how important that role is. I've idolised him all year, and especially his Grand Final performance was just outstanding."