Andrew McGrath stands out as one of Essendon’s most reliable and respected modern players, and his long-term deal shows how highly the Bombers rate him.
In this article, you will know Andrew McGrath’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Andrew McGrath’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrew McGrath |
| Date of Birth | 2 June 1998 |
| Age | 27 years |
| Education | Attended Brighton Grammar School |
| Nationality | Canadian-born, represents Australia in AFL |
| Height | 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 84 kg (approx.) |
| Turned Pro (AFL Debut) | 2017 with Essendon Bombers |
| Current Club | Essendon Football Club |
| Position | Defender / midfielder |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $2–3 million AUD |
| Estimated Salary | Roughly $650,000–$750,000 AUD |
| Marital Status | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter/X Profile | N/A |
Early Career
McGrath grew up in Canada before his family moved to Melbourne, where he fell in love with Australian rules football and other sports. He first showed his athletic ability in junior athletics and school sport, building speed and agility that later helped him in the AFL.
At Brighton Grammar School he played school footy, impressed as a tough and composed defender, and started to attract attention from recruiters.
He also represented the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup, where he became one of the most reliable rebounding defenders in his age group. His leadership skills stood out as much as his ball-winning, and he captained Vic Metro at under-18 level, showing he could guide teammates in big games.
These performances pushed him to the top of draft boards and set him up as a genuine number one draft pick chance.
Professional Career
Essendon selected McGrath with the first overall pick in the 2016 national draft, and he made his debut for the Bombers in 2017. He slotted into the backline and handled pressure straight away, which helped him win the 2017 AFL Rising Star award after an excellent debut season.
His clean ball use, decision-making, and ability to defend small forwards made him a key piece in Essendon’s rebuild.
Over the next seasons McGrath shifted between defence and the midfield, where his speed and agility allowed him to apply pressure and win contested ball. Essendon later appointed him vice-captain, underlining the respect he holds inside the club and his influence on a young list.
By 2024 he had established himself as a regular in Essendon’s best 22 and one of the leaders of the Bombers’ back half.
Andrew McGrath’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Andrew McGrath’s estimated net worth sits around $2–3 million AUD, largely built from his AFL salaries and contract extensions with Essendon.
Contract
McGrath signed a fresh six-year contract extension with Essendon in 2024 that locks him in at the Bombers until at least the end of the 2030 AFL season.
The deal came as he approached free agency, and sources note that he turned down the chance to test the market to commit long term to Essendon.
Fan discussion and media estimates suggest the total value sits somewhere around $4.0–4.5 million AUD over six seasons, which places his average annual salary in the mid to upper range for an experienced defender and club leader.
Salary
From 2025 onward, McGrath likely earns in the range of $650,000–$750,000 AUD per season, based on typical deals for established first-round picks and vice-captains on long-term contracts.
These estimates line up with forum reports that suggest his six-year contract could sit near $700,000 per year when averaged out, even though exact figures remain private.
Earlier in his career his salary sat lower, aligning with standard AFL draftee and early extension structures, before stepping up once he proved himself and took on leadership duties.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Contract Status | Estimated Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Essendon | First-year draftee deal | ~$150,000–$200,000 |
| 2018 | Essendon | Draftee contract + incentives | ~$200,000–$250,000 |
| 2019 | Essendon | Early-career contract | ~$250,000–$300,000 |
| 2020 | Essendon | Extension years | ~$350,000–$400,000 |
| 2021 | Essendon | Established best-22 | ~$400,000–$450,000 |
| 2022 | Essendon | Emerging leader | ~$450,000–$500,000 |
| 2023 | Essendon | Vice-captain, key defender | ~$500,000–$600,000 |
| 2024 | Essendon | New six-year extension kicks in | ~$600,000–$700,000 |
| 2025 | Essendon | Second year of long-term deal | ~$650,000–$750,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Club | Games | Goals | Disposals per game | Kicks per game | Handballs per game | Marks per game | Tackles per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Essendon | 21 | 4 | ~19.0 | ~9.0 | ~10.0 | ~4.0 | ~3.0 |
| 2018 | Essendon | 20 | 3 | ~19.0 | ~9.0 | ~10.0 | ~4.0 | ~3.0 |
| 2019 | Essendon | 19 | 1 | ~22.0 | ~11.0 | ~11.0 | ~4.0 | ~4.0 |
| 2020 | Essendon | 18 | 1 | ~21.0 | ~11.0 | ~10.0 | ~4.0 | ~4.0 |
| 2021 | Essendon | 14 | 5 | ~22.0 | ~12.0 | ~10.0 | ~4.0 | ~4.0 |
| 2022 | Essendon | 22 | 1 | ~21.0 | ~11.0 | ~10.0 | ~4.0 | ~3.0 |
| 2023 | Essendon | 23 | 2 | ~22.0 | 9.8 | 13.0 | 3.5 | 2.4 |
| 2024 | Essendon | 22 | 0 | ~22–23 | ~10–11 | ~12–13 | ~3–4 | ~2–3 |
FAQs
1. What team does Andrew McGrath play for?
Andrew McGrath plays for Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League and holds a key role across half-back and through the midfield, where he drives rebound and ball movement for his side.
2. What position does McGrath usually play?
McGrath usually plays as a defender who rotates through the midfield, so he spends most games across half-back taking intercept possessions, providing rebound, and then pushing up to contests when coaches need extra midfield drive.
3. When did Essendon draft Andrew McGrath and with which pick?
Essendon drafted Andrew McGrath with pick one in the 2016 national draft, and he joined the club straight from Sandringham Dragons and Brighton Grammar after starring as a running defender and midfielder.
4. How long is McGrath’s current Essendon contract?
McGrath signed a six‑year extension that ties him to Essendon until at least the end of the 2030 AFL season, so his contract secures his future as a long‑term Bombers leader.
5. What major achievements has Andrew McGrath earned in his AFL career?
Andrew McGrath became Essendon’s first ever number one draft pick, won the AFL Rising Star award in his debut season, and later stepped into the club’s leadership group as vice‑captain while continuing to rack up strong disposal numbers each year.
