Starting his career at Hamilton City, he went on to spend nine years playing in the North American Soccer League for the Los Angeles Aztecs, the Montreal Manic, the Chicago Sting, and the Minnesota Strikers.

In 1974, he moved to British Columbia to study at Simon Fraser University and was named NAIA MVP in his freshman season.

In 1983, he joined North American Soccer League team the Chicago Sting for the indoor season and moved to the Minnesota Strikers a year later.

After being spotted playing at Simon Fraser University, McGrane represented Canada at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.

The following year, he was named as head coach and general manager of league rivals the Hamilton Steelers, with Gibson following as his assistant.