Andy McGrath set to move from half back to full-time midfielder in potential boon for Bombers, Supercoaches

Essendon fans and SuperCoaches alike have long hoped Andy McGrath would make the transformation from good ordinary half back to superstar midfielder. Is this the year?

Andrew McGrath is ready to get his hands dirty as an in and under midfielder. Picture: Sarah Reed

A fitter and stronger Andrew McGrath is hoping to morph into more of an inside midfielder this year after working closely over pre-season with new Essendon assistant coach Blake Caracella.

McGrath spent much of his third season in 2019 on a wing for the Bombers, but has long had his sights set on being an elite inside onballer.

Would this be enough to catapult him from KFC SuperCoach tease to real deal?

McGrath has always shown promise, but never really produced in SuperCoach, averaging 71, 71 and 74 across his past three seasons. At $399,400 he represents an intriguing prospect as an inside midfielder.

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Andrew McGrath is ready to get his hands dirty as an in and under midfielder. Picture: Sarah Reed

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The 2016 No. 1 draft pick latched on to teammate Dylan Shiel last season in a bid to learn more about the midfield craft and has spent much of summer harnessing the knowledge of former Richmond assistant Caracella.

“Blake’s been an awesome mentor in the short period of time I’ve had with him,” McGrath said.

“He’s seen it all at Richmond and coached some amazing players and an amazing group and just to pick his brain about certain things about what they do and ask him about certain players that I idolised growing up is pretty cool. He’s added a different twist to our midfield and has a few new ideas so it’s very refreshing.”

McGrath said while he had not put on significant weight over the off-season he felt his body was ready to spend more time on the ball this season.

“It’s a fine balance,” McGrath said.

“You want to get as fit as you can and as strong as you can. Sometimes those two don’t work hand-in-hand. But I feel like I’m stronger than I was last year and more capable to play that role.”

McGrath was the Dons’ prized No.1 pick four years ago. Picture: Getty Images

Originally published as Andy McGrath set to move from half back to full-time midfielder in potential boon for Bombers, Supercoaches