Brighton/East Brighton/Sandringham Dragons (Victoria)
2/6/1998 Height: 177cm Weight: 77kg
It was McGrath's brilliant final term for Vic Metro against Vic Country that helped his team clinch a two-point win, and also exhibited his talents across half-back. The Metro co-captain was brilliant with his attacking run, drive and rebound. He flew for marks and was courageous in the air while also keeping his opponent under wraps. McGrath has an elite athletics background as a hurdler and that comes through in his attacking, run-and-carry game from half-back and through the middle. He shone at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, with top-10 results in the repeat sprint, agility and running vertical jump tests.
Essendon List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro says:
He’s an athlete with elite movement. He has the constitution to walk in and play AFL football next year, he can play midfield, he’s got a defensive mindset and he’s just a brilliant prototype for the modern game. He speeds the game up, he’s got elite speed and he suits the modern game.
AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan says:
Dashing defender/midfielder who is a prolific ball-winner and a great distributor. A tough competitor, strong in the air and provides terrific rebound. Winner of Vic Metro's Most Valuable Player award and was co-captain in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. Recorded the second best repeat sprint time at the NAB AFL Draft Combine.
Former AFL recruiter Gary Buckenara says:
A ready-made running defender who can also play in the midfield, McGrath’s improvement could be quite dramatic once he gets into the AFL system. He makes very good decisions with the footy, has good skills and is just one of those players who is very reliable. When you’re looking for rebound defenders you’re looking for guys who can break the lines and McGrath is exactly that type of player. I think he’ll adjust to the tempo of AFL quickly.
Sandringham Dragons Talent Manager Ryan O’Connor told Inside Football:
He just gets the job done. Playing more time in the midfield and getting more confident in that role has just opened up and highlighted his attacking out of the backline. It gave him a bit more confidence to run and carry, his linking and ability to change directions. It’s hard to know what more to say because his season has just been unbelievable. He is going to be a very good AFL player straight away.
He held the fort for Brighton Grammar and was very, very team focused, but it’s about picking your times when to attack and when to defend. His job on (Ben) Ainsworth in the Nationals was exactly that and he provided the run and carry while also cutting his man out.
