Andrew McGrath

Born in Ontario, Andrew McGrath moved to Melbourne in 2003, aged five. He commenced his journey at Brighton Grammar and, eight years later, was elected School Captain.

Andy was a gifted Australian Rules footballer as well as an accomplished track and field athlete, winning multiple national titles. Representing Vic Metro, he was named All Australian and Co-Captain of the 2016 AFL Under 18 Championships, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most highly regarded young footballers.

Recruited by the Essendon Football Club as the number one draft pick in 2016, Andy made his AFL debut in 2017. Following an outstanding first season, he was awarded the AFL Rising Star and the AFL Players Association Best First Year Player award, and was named in the AFL’s 22under22 team recognising the competition’s elite young talent.

Since then, Andy has established himself as a leader and consistently high-performing player at AFL level. A former Vice-Captain of Essendon, he has been recognised for his professionalism and character through multiple Best Clubman awards. In 2024, he was appointed Captain of the Essendon Football Club, becoming the 42nd skipper in the Club’s history and further reinforcing his standing as one of the game’s most respected leaders.