Andrew McGrath joined SEN to chat all things Essendon, confident about the season ahead.
The newly appointed captain outlined a pre-season built on connection, continuity and raising standards, with the Bombers focused on bridging the gap to the competition’s benchmark sides.
“It’s been really positive,” McGrath said.
“A lot of things are in your control in pre-season, so it’s been nice to have a lot of our guys on the park.
“We’ve had high 30s to 40 players training consistently, which has allowed for strong match simulation and really pushing each other in preparation for our practice game against Richmond.”
Leading his own way
McGrath is determined to lead authentically, not by imitation, but by leaning into who he already is.
“My leadership style is very authentic and genuine,” he said.
“I love to connect the group. I think the Essendon Football Club is longing for that connection between current players, past players and our fans. Everyone wants to feel part of it.
“We’re all just passing through this great club. I want to empower guys to be themselves, play to their strengths and own their moment in the sun.”
McGrath said the transition into the role has not required wholesale change, just heightened awareness.
“There’s always accountability knowing players are watching your actions, but I’m in this position because of who I am. I won’t change too much.”
Stability behind the ball
On field, the Bombers have spent the summer refining their balance between attacking flair and defensive structure.
“There’s a lot of talk about moving the ball faster and attacking the last line of defence,” McGrath said.
“But what comes with that is having a stable base. Traditionally we haven’t been great in transition defence. That’s something we’re really looking to tighten up.
“The best teams in the competition do that better than anyone. We want layers behind the ball and a strong contest structure.”
After a season disrupted by injuries and personnel changes, McGrath believes continuity across the Club’s core age bracket, particularly players aged 23 to 28, will be critical.
“It was hard to get a gauge last year with the number of changes we had. We’re looking forward to building continuity and playing connected, well drilled footy together.”
A measured outlook
While external expectations continue to swirl, McGrath is focused on process over prediction.
“We need to bridge the gap between us and the best teams in the comp. We know we’re not at that point right now.
“That can change quickly, but for us it’s about stacking good days, stacking good weeks of training and making our fans proud of the brand of footy we’re playing. The ladder position comes off the back of that.”
The next wave
Among the Club’s emerging talent, McGrath was glowing in his praise of second year forward Nate Caddy.
“Nate’s a star. His athleticism is probably the best I’ve ever seen. He can win our 2km time trial and he jumps on people’s heads.
“I don’t think he realises how good he can be. The ceiling is very, very high.”
McGrath also described draftees Max Kondogiannis and Jacob Farrow as composed users of the ball, while noting the broader youth group would push for opportunity across the season.
“We’ve got a lot of young guys that will be exciting in red and black for a long time.”
