Essendon have tabled a six-year contract to restricted free agent Andrew McGrath, reports AFL Media’s Cal Twomey.
McGrath, who is Essendon’s vice-captain, comes out of contract at the end of the 2024 season. Due to his status as a restricted free agent, the Bombers can match any rival offers that come for him in the off-season.
While McGrath may hold out to receive deals from other clubs, Twomey says the former No. 1 pick has been tabled a deal that could see him remain at The Hangar until the end of the 2030 season.
“The number one pick in the 2016 Draft, Andrew McGrath, he’s a restricted free agent – so he’s clearly been in the best-paid players at the Bombers for a little while heading into this free agency decision,” Twomey said on AFL.com.au’s Gettable.
“Everyone’s pretty hush-hush on this one, there’s not been much spoken about his contract for the first part of the year.
“But my understanding is the Bombers have put a six-year offer to McGrath to stay.”
McGrath, who has been used in different roles across his eight years at the Bombers so far, has settled in as a defender under coach Brad Scott.
He’s averaging an impressive 25.4 disposals and 6.8 rebound 50s in 2024 and Twomey thinks that his permanent backline role is where the Bombers would see him playing for the rest of his career.
“He’s a vice-captain of the Bombers and has been used as a full-time defender since Brad Scott got to the footy club, which I think is his best role,” Twomey said.
“Essendon signed Ben McKay on a six-year deal … and Jordan Ridley essentially signed a six-year deal as part of his extension.
“Darcy Parish signed six years last year as well and Mason Redman five … they’re some of the bigger deals at the Bombers.”
McGrath and the Dons next face Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
