[3] McAndrew eventually signed for the Sydney Swans Academy program, through which he earned a spot on their Victorian Football League (VFL) list only two years after his code switch.
Prior to the 2023 season, both Sydney ruckmen Tom Hickey and Peter Ladhams struggled with injury, making McAndrew's debut seem likely for round one.
His first AFL game came against North Melbourne at Docklands Stadium, and held his own against veteran ruck Todd Goldstein, collecting 20 hit-outs and 9 disposals.
With Sydney's signing of All-Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy from Melbourne in the 2023 trade period, McAndrew once again fell out of favour at the Swans.
When Adelaide's back-up ruck Kieran Strachan injured his foot, McAndrew was invited to train with the AFL squad over the 2024-2025 pre-season.