He continued to establish himself in the side and by 2003, was a regular member, being part of the Lions' third straight AFL premiership.

McGrath has two brothers who were also listed at AFL clubs, Toby and Cory.

During periods of the 2008 season, McGrath was trialed as a rebounding half back flanker with varying degrees of success.

His first half of the season was smeared with poor performances and ineffective disposals.

But after the mid-season break, McGrath had a career-best game where he had 30 disposals against Geelong in Round 15.