He started his career after being elevated from the rookie list by Essendon in 2000, and made his AFL debut in 2001.
The West Australian had been noted as an exciting midfielder and when he arrived at Carlton as part of the Blues' refill of recycled players in the 2003 draft/trade period, he made a good impression during 2004.
He broke his way into the team from Carlton's VFL-affiliate, the Northern Bullants, midway through the year and played every game from then on.
2005 was another step up for McGrath, who played 19 games but was considered one of the better players in a dismal year for the Blues.
[2] He then spent five seasons playing with the Port Melbourne Football Club in the VFL,[3] where he was part of the Borough's unbeaten 2011 premiership team.