[5] McGinis began his career with Melbourne at the age of nineteen, in 1894 in the VFA,[6][7][8] and was its leading goalkicker in 1895.

In September 1895, 'Half Back' (the Age's football correspondent) declared that McGinis was "the champion of the season.

[11] He died in Hobart on 30 March 1953, and was cremated at the Cornelian Bay Cemetery the next day.

[12] McGinis was regarded as one of the best players of his era,[13] with some contemporaries, including Mick Grace, Jack Leith, George Cathie, and the Argus sportswriter 'Observer' naming him as the best overall.

[14][15][16] Although primarily a rover, he could play and succeed at any position on the ground, and was proficient at all skills: accurate kicking, high marking, speed and endurance.