Essendon star Andrew McGrath hunted by two Melbourne clubs

Kieran Francis

Essendon star Andrew McGrath hunted by two Melbourne clubs image

Essendon midfielder Andrew McGrath is being tracked by St Kilda and Richmond with the Bombers facing a decision about the future of the former no.1 draft pick.

With McGrath coming out of contract at the end of the season, former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire let slip the intel on Channel 9's Footy Classified on Wednesday night.

The 23-year-old has become a solid footballer in the 104 games since his debut in 2017, but his development seems to have stagnated, with his season average disposals only increasing from 19.8 to 22.2 since his first campaign.

McGrath has been touted as a possible next captain at the Bombers, but McGuire feels he could possibly be put up for a trade to aid the midfield dynamics at the club.

"Is [McGrath] the next captain, or is he trade bait?' McGuire said.

“Because I know there are two clubs who are into him at the moment.”

When asked who was interested, McGuire replied: “St Kilda and Richmond.

“I think they’re looking at him very closely.

“Is this the opportunity, because they’ve got so many of the same type, to maybe flick one out, get another player in?”

#andrew mcgrath

Former AFL coach Ross Lyon was more blunt in his assessment of McGrath's career status, naming another Essendon midfielder as better candidate to be a future captain of the club.

“He’s not performing to a pick one level as I see it,” Lyon said.

“I think he’s a good solid player and he’s got great character, but if you’re not going forward as a club, maybe you cut your loss … but what are you going to get for him?

“I think Merrett’s the next captain. No one prepares better than Merrett and competes more consistently than Merrett and he’s been on the outer in leadership.

“To me, he’s got the intensity and the will and the drive to be their captain.”

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.