Mike McGrath says his son was never one to waste a moment. 

And Andrew McGrath’s first step in his AFL career seemed to support that sentiment.

In his AFL debut against Hawthorn, the number one draft pick was every bit the composed, efficient and diligent talent that made him such a highly sought after prospect.

He finished the game with 22 possessions at 82 per cent efficiency, six marks, five rebounds from the defensive 50 and five tackles.

“I think I played my role for the team which was positive and we got the result we wanted,” the first gamer said.

“Individual performances don’t really matter much for me right now, we got the result and we played the way we wanted to, that’s all that matters.”

This time last year, McGrath was one of many talented teenagers hoping to land a spot on an AFL list.

But as each week of the under 18 season progressed he rose up the rankings.

By the National Championships he was co-captain of the title winning Vic Metro team and by season’s end he was adjudged best afield in Sandringham Dragons premiership win.

Mike McGrath said his son has always maintained a balance between his competitive edge and caring nature.

“Andrew was a kid that never wanted to waste a moment,” Mike McGrath said.

“He’d be up as soon as the sun was up and if there was nothing left to do in the evening he'd want to go to bed early so he could get back up again and embrace the day.

“He’s got an intensity about him but it’s a good balance with humility and a love of humanity.

“He’s an intense competitor but he’s a caring individual as well and I think some of that comes out in his football.”

After a polished JLT Community Series, Andrew McGrath wasn’t sure if he'd land a spot in the Dons team for round one.

On Monday at 6pm, when most had left for the day, he worked alone in an empty Essendon gym, not knowing how the rest of his week would pan out.

Two days later, Coach John Worsfold gave him the news he’d hoped for.

“I was obviously excited about the boys going into round one but I wasn’t expecting ‘Woosha’ to tell me on Wednesday that I was playing,” he said.

“Once I got that [news] I was more excited rather than nervous and I don’t think the nerves really kicked in until I walked out through the banner with all the boys and had a look at the stadium.

“It was overwhelming but I sort of settled in and the boys comforted me and it was a good vibe.”

McGrath said the support of his teammates and in particular two of his more experienced defensive partners, Michael Hurley and James Kelly, had been important in the lead up and during the game. 

“’Hurls’ and ‘Kel’ have been great, they sort of act like big brothers for me,” he said.

“Whenever I’m doing something they’ll come in and check out how I’m going and even out on the ground they’ll come over and say ‘well done, keep going’.

“It’s great to have them there and have their support throughout the game and throughout the week at training.”