The 27-year-old was officially unveiled as the 42nd skipper in the Club’s 153-year history to teammates and staff on Wednesday.
A No.1 draft pick, Rising Star winner and the recipient of Essendon’s Best Clubman award in three consecutive years, former Vice-Captain McGrath is a universally respected and admired figure at Essendon and the AFL.
McGrath takes the reins following the decision of former skipper Zach Merrett to step away from the role ahead of the 2026 season.
Entering his 10th campaign in the red and black, McGrath’s gratitude and excitement towards taking on the captaincy was palpable in his address to the club today.
“From the minute I walked into the Hangar, this place felt like home. To be trusted to lead this Club is a massive honour, and I have an immense amount of gratitude for the people who make Essendon what it is,” McGrath said.
“I want to acknowledge Zach, who has played a huge role in my career. I’ve spent years chasing him on the track, he’s taught me so much about football and life, and the standards he set have paved the way for this group to succeed.
“My leadership is pretty authentic, and I love connecting with people. Most importantly, I love helping the team reach the goals we set out to achieve. To have the experience of guys like Kyle, Mason and Nic, combined with the fresh energy and standards that Jye, Sam and Brayden bring gives us a really powerful mix to drive the group forward.
“We’re in a great position, and the past leaders have set us up to excel and I can’t wait to play my role in that. 2026 is going to be a good one for the Bombers.”
Essendon’s General Manager of Football, Daniel McPherson, spoke to his pride in McGrath as the next Captain of Essendon.
“The overwhelming approval from the playing group and coaching staff in naming Andy as our new Captain tells the story in itself, really,” McPherson said.
“This is a well-deserved achievement and a fitting honour for someone who’s frequently set the example of exactly what an Essendon person should be.
“We’re thrilled for Andy and we know he’ll handle the responsibility with the level of character and dedication we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from him.
For a second consecutive year, Kyle Langford, Mason Redman and Nic Martin will shape the extended leadership group.
Langford, the highly respected forward, is the longest-serving active forward on the list and a two-time winner of the Dons’ goalkicking (2023-‘24).
A staple of the Bombers’ defensive unit over 143 games, Redman is known as one of the Club’s most tenured and dependable players.
Despite being set to miss the 2026 season, Martin will play just as critical a role with his off-field leadership, setting a strong example in his diligence on the training track and support of his peers.
Midfield duo Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell will be stepping into the leadership group for the first time in 2026.
Showcasing influence on and off the field, Caldwell has earned himself a spot in the group for 2026, bringing his confidence, positivity and a fresh perspective.
Durham has also exemplified what it is to be a Bomber. The 24-year-old shows leadership qualities beyond his years and influential on-field experience with 91 career games to his name so far.
Brayden Fiorini’s strong impression in his first months as a Don has also been recognised with a berth in the leadership group.
The 28-year-old former SUN has been a standout in pre-season largely due to his professionalism and high character around the Club, the group a clear beneficiary of a fresh, new voice.
The Essendon Board ratified the appointments of the leadership group today.
“It is great for Kyle, Mase and Nic to continue in their leadership roles and it highlights their growth as leaders; they are a terrific voice for our players who command respect for good reason,” McPherson said.
“We’re also rapt to have Jye, Sam and Brayden to round out our leadership group this year. They’ll all play key roles for us both on-field and off – we feel really confident in the mix of experienced and newer faces we have on board there.
While Zach Merrett will not be in an official leadership role, he will continue to play an important part in supporting the leadership group through his experience and elite football knowledge.
“Zach was consistently outstanding in his service as Captain and did himself proud. Although he won’t be in a formal role this season, he remains an integral person for our players to look up to and learn from,” McPherson said.
“We can’t wait to throw our support behind Andy and the group as they lead our Club forward to bigger and better things.”
The Club’s leaders are appointed through a player-led process that reflects our values and leadership qualities, both on and off field. The playing group and key senior staff nominate and vote on candidates, before a final recommendation is made to the Board for approval.
