Supporters are calling for new blood for Saturday night's important clash with the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome, following the Dons shock 11-point loss to Carlton atthe MCG last Friday. Standing on the outside, it appears McGrath has been teasing the loyal Bomber fans with some blistering performances in the midfield as he appearsto be ready to take his football to the next level. Unfortunately he has been plagued with inconsistency and hard luck with his body in 19 times he has represented the Bombers -making him an uncertain prospect when it comes to selecting the teams on Thursday night.
Essendon fans would not have to be reminded about the mass exodus of four quality midfielders last season and with his strongest pre-season to date, where he lifted his running times and bulked up at the gym, McGrath was hoping his time would come earlier. “The season goes pretty quick when you're playing footy, every week you miss out it hurts you pretty much, so you get hungrier,” he said.
McGrath was one of four boys in his family and grew up in Nyabing kicking the Sherrin with brothers Toby, who is on the Essendon list, Ashley and Brad. The former West Coast Eagles supporter slipped into footy thanks to his competitive nature and with just cricket or football being offered at his school, he always warmed to the physicality of footy.
All that taken into account and he realised a dream of following in the footsteps of boyhood idol and former Eagles captain John Worsfold. Now he dons the red andblack, shares a house with young Bombers star Joel Reynolds and has taken upa diploma of accounting at Victoria University in Footscray - how timeshave changed.
Despite being offered the chance to return to Perth and re-unite with hisfamily at the end of last season, McGrath chose to play out his contract at Bomberland and for good reason. “I think it is just a great club with a great history and a club that follows its history and traditions,” he said. On his last chance, McGrath is working withmidfield coach Robert Shaw in a bid to return to the top flight. He conceded he needs topush forward and boot more goals to conquer his goal of becoming a quality AFL player.“Probably breaking into the side at the moment is my short term goal and when I do get an opportunity to play I'll try and cement a spot in there,” he said.
Story courtesy of Lance Jenkinson from Moonee Valley Community News.
