McCauley was listed with the Queensland Roar in 2006 and was an up and coming player, reaching their seconds in the Brisbane Premier League playing as a goalkeeper.
[1] He started in the Surfers Paradise reserves in the second division, switched to Southport to maximize his competitive opportunities in 2007, and was a senior fixture in the Sharks side in 2007-08-09.
In 2007 he played a full season, including 12 senior games, and was the best ruckman on the ground in the '07 QAFL grand final loss to Mt.
He also made his Queensland representative debut against Tasmania in June 2009, was a member of the QAFL Team of the Year, finished equal 7th in the Grogan Medal, and won the club's 'Most Improved Player' award.
A fully qualified stockbroker who put his career on hold to accept a rookie list contract with the Brisbane Lions in 2010.