McGrath signs for six more

Essendon vice-captain Andrew McGrath He has signed a six-year contract to remain at the club until at least the end of 2030.

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

McGrath joins a long list of Bombers that includes Kyle Langford, Nico Martin, Zach Merrett Mason Redman and Darcy Parish have signed long-term deals, with 11 players on the roster now signed through at least 2027.

With his long-term commitment to the club, McGrath is excited to continue playing a vital role in building the Bombers under the guidance of the senior coach. Brad Scott.

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

“Essendon showed faith and trust in me when I was 18, and I am extremely grateful to be a one-club player. Essendon is a club with a rich history and an extremely loyal fan base.

“I hope we can make our members and supporters proud and produce performances that the people of Essendon can be proud of.”

The only number one draft pick in the club’s history, McGrath has established himself as an accomplished leader and professional since joining Essendon at the end of 2016.

McGrath, who won the AFLPA Best First Year Player Award and Rising Star Award in his debut season, got off to a fast start to life as a Bomber in 2017 and has continued to thrive since.

McGrath was named in the AFLPA 22under22 team every year from 2017 to 2020 and selected as its Captain in 2020, the same year he won the club’s Adam Ramanauskas Most Valuable Player Award.

During that period, McGrath demonstrated his ability to block forwards in the last line of defence, provide a running back and even venture into midfield as a permanent player in 2020.

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

McGrath, first named deputy vice-captain in 2022, has played his role as sole vice-captain for the past two seasons under Skipper. Zach Merrettbecoming an important leader within the Bombers’ group of young players.

“Brad has been an incredible leader and mentor to me, I can’t wait to continue my career with him and learn everything I can to become a better player and a better person,” McGrath said.

“My belief and enthusiasm for our younger players is also something I am very excited about. The growth in this group is enormous and I firmly believe that our best football is ahead of us.

“Our group of players is determined to grow and push our limits to become a great team. We understand more every day what that will require and the hard work that is required. But I firmly believe that success and improvement is within our capabilities.

“To all the Bomber fans, thank you so much for your unconditional support and love throughout my journey so far. I can’t wait to hear your roar and encouragement as we progress down the field.”

In 2023, McGrath averaged 22 kills and five 50 rebounds per game to finish fourth in the Crichton Medal, and also received honors such as the Bruce Heymanson Best Clubman and the John Kilby Staff and Trainers’ Award.

This year, McGrath has once again taken his game to new heights, averaging 25 disposals per game and frequently featuring 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. vote.

McGrath is on pace to maintain career highs in kills, within the 50s and 50s per game this season, and currently ranks eighth in the competition in total rebounds and third in rebounds.

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

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

“He is a great Essendon person who is committed to bringing out the best in himself and his teammates. His relentless pursuit of excellence is admired and respected by everyone at Essendon.

“It is an exciting time to be part of Essendon Football Club and for our vice-captain to recommit to Essendon for life is a resounding endorsement of the environment we are building and an indication of how much he loves the club, its members and fans, his teammates, coaches and all staff.

“This contract is a great recognition of Andy’s career to this point, but more importantly it represents how much we value him at Essendon and how integral we believe he will be in helping us become the team and club we all aspire to.” To be”.