Ashley McGrath

[christicehurst]

http://l.yimg.com/ao/i/sp/afl/players/2009/20/210013.jpg

Number: 9
Games: 137
Goals: 106
Height: 182
Weight: 80
DOB: 20-05-1983

Introduction
2003 premiership player Ash McGrath made a name for himself with the Lions as a creative small forward before adding extra strings to his bow in recent seasons. He has added great drive to the Lions backline when moved into defence and has also proven adept at playing on the wing.

Background
• The South Fremantle product was originally expected to be a top-five pick in 2000, but a badly broken arm prevented him playing at the U18 National Championships.

• McGrath remained clearly on the Lions’ radar and was drafted with the Club’s first selection (Pick No.13 overall) in the 2000 National Draft.

• Ashley McGrath followed the footsteps of older brothers Toby and Corey into the AFL.

2001
• As the youngest player on the Lions’ list – he didn’t turn 18 until midway through the season – McGrath, not surprisingly, spent the majority of his first season playing with the Lions Reserves side in the AFLQ competition.

• He made one senior appearance in his debut season – in Round 20 against Fremantle in front of his family at Western Australia’s Subiaco Oval.

• He could hardly have found a better time to join the Lions as they proceeded to win the 2001 AFL premiership.

• While McGrath did not feature in the historic premiership win over Essendon, he did play in the Lions Reserves’ breakthrough premiership win over local club Southport.

2002
• McGrath played a further nine senior matches but continued playing a majority of the season with the Lions Reserves side.

• He was once again forced to watch from the sidelines as the Lions won back-to-back AFL titles with a thrilling nine-point win over Collingwood.

2003
• After two full seasons, McGrath grew to become a more permanent fixture in the senior side with 22 matches.

• While he had long shown immense promise as a crumbing forward, it wasn’t until he booted a career-high six goals against the Western Bulldogs at Docklands in Round 22 that the rest of the football community took notice.

• His performance against the Bulldogs also earned him an AFL Rising Star nomination.

• But by the time September had rolled around, the cub had become a fully-fledged Lion and McGrath lined up at half-forward in the Lions side that beat Collingwood by 50 points to claim a third straight flag.

• He was rewarded at the end of the season by being named the Club’s Rookie of the Year.

2004
• McGrath played in 18 of the first 20 matches of the season – missing his only two games with a thumb injury – before spending four or his next five outings as an emergency.

• He finished with 19 games and 13 goals for the season, but missed out on selection in the 2004 Grand Final – which the Club ultimately lost to Port Adelaide.

2005
• After kicking only three goals in the first five rounds of the season, McGrath well and truly repaid the faith shown in his finishing instincts by the Lions coaching staff.

• He inherited the defensive goal sneak role formerly occupied by Craig McRae and finished the season with more goals than any other player in the competition from general play. His hard chasing, tough tackling and clever crumbing saw him become a real attacking threat.

• He twice kicked five goals in a game - against Richmond in Round 9 and Hawthorn in Round 19. On another eight occasions he kicked two or more goals.

• He finished with a career-high 35 goals from 21 games and placed equal 11th (with Simon Black) in the Club Champion award – another career-best.

• McGrath finished only seven goals behind Daniel Bradshaw in the race to become the Club’s leading goal-kicker for the season.

2006
• After a slow start to the year, McGrath was sent back to the Lions Reserves after featuring in the first three senior matches.

• He returned one week later and resume his role as a crumbing forward. He kicked 10 goals in four matches between Rounds 7-10, proving the perfect foil for key targets Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw.

• He suffered a serious hamstring injury against the Western Bulldogs in Round 12 at the Gabba which kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

• He finished the season with 14 goals from 11 matches.

2007
• McGrath began the season in great form, with 20 goals from the first nine games including a match-winning bag of five majors against Fremantle at the Gabba in Round 6.

• He missed Rounds 10 and 11 with a knee injury suffered against Collingwood in Round 9 and found it difficult to regain his early season rhythm upon returning.

• He played a further six matches but managed just one goal before breaking his wrist in a collision with team-mate Rhan Hooper during the team’s Round 18 win over North Melbourne at the Gabba. The injury prematurely ended his season and left him stranded on 98 AFL matches.

• McGrath finished the season with 22 goals which placed him third on the Club’s goal-kicking list for the year.

2008
• Unfortunately McGrath’s recent injury interruptions continued when he underwent minor knee surgery on the eve of the 2008 NAB Cup competition which kept him out of action for the better part of two months.

• He made his return through the Lions Reserves and immediately began knocking on the door of senior selection.

• His opportunity arose the following week when he was recalled against Hawthorn in Round 5 at the Gabba. Although McGrath kicked two goals in the loss to the Hawks, he was omitted from the side one week later to regain some fitness and conditioning.

• He worked hard on the track and was promptly added to the senior team for the trip to Geelong in Round 7 – his 100th match.

• The South Fremantle recruit spent the bulk of his season playing in defence and occasionally in the middle which proved a masterstroke from the Lions coaching panel.

• McGrath’s pace, carry and creativity proved an asset at the other end of the ground and while he only kicked three goals, his impact was noticeable.

2009
• McGrath was honoured during the pre-season with selection in the Indigenous All-Stars team which defeated the Adelaide Crows by 54 points at TIO Stadium in Darwin. It was his first time representing the All-Stars.�

• His ninth season at the Lions was undoubtedly the finest of his AFL career to date. He played in all 24 matches - including two Finals - and averaged a career-best 16.8 disposals playing predominantly as a running defender.

• He was a consistent contributor throughout the entire season, although his performances went up another notch in the second half of the year.

• After Vice-Captain Jed Adcock suffered a knee injury early in the Lions' Round 15 match against Geelong, McGrath was called upon to fill his important role across half-back. McGrath relished the responsibility and collected a career-high 30 touches against the eventual premiers in what ended up being one of the Club's best wins in recent history.

• He provided the team with great drive from defence and became a regular ball-winner, collecting 20 or more possessions in seven of the Lions' final 10 matches of teh home-and-away season.

• The West Australian was also one of the Club's best contributors in their two Finals matches and was only just edged out by Luke Power for the Lions' Best Finals Player award.

• McGrath finished strongly in the Club Champion Award at season's end to finish a career-best 7th - the first top ten placing of his career.http://www.lions.com.au/players/playerprofile/ashleymcgrath/tabid/5189/playerid/14009/category/senior/season/2009/selected/bio/default.aspx

[Spanner]

Can't wait for Ash to be fit to play.

[the_champ33]

I can't wait for it either and such a versatile player. If he plays forward he'll need to crumb.

[christicehurst]

I can't wait for it either and such a versatile player. If he plays forward he'll need to crumb.


Is he coming back this week?

[the_champ33]

Good chance he will, but wait til selection night.

[Spanner]

Either this week or next, I'd imagine. Though I expect they'll want to ease him through the SCLs before getting to the big leagues.

[christicehurst]

He does bring some excitiment at times and I like that in him. Looks like a tough nut.

[the_champ33]

He is a tough nut indeed + Lethal demands it and Ash follows the rules.

[christicehurst]

He is a tough nut indeed + Lethal demands it and Ash follows the rules.


Sounds like the guy we need against the Swans. Smash up the flooding.

[the_champ33]

He can do plenty. But I think a Fly McRae role is good for him. He can average 2-3 goals a game at least when sneaking around in the forward lines.

[Spanner]

He can do plenty. But I think a Fly McRae role is good for him. He can average 2-3 goals a game at least when sneaking around in the forward lines.


If he can do that consistantly, like he did before getting injured last year, then we will win more than we lose.

[the_champ33]

That is true. He was doing it last year also, but his season was cut short due to a broken arm. Hopefully he'll have a better season this year and minus injuries. A great talent this bloke.

[Spanner]

That is true. He was doing it last year also, but his season was cut short due to a broken arm. Hopefully he'll have a better season this year and minus injuries. A great talent this bloke.


Problem is the go-home factor seems to get him. We always have a nervous wait to see if he wants a move back to WA before he signs a one-year deal to kick it all off again the next year.

[the_champ33]

That is true and this year is no different

[Spanner]

What we really need is a strong season to convince him that he will go places with this group.

[the_champ33]

Yeah.

[christicehurst]

Do you think he will request the trade at the end of the season?

[Spanner]

That's what I'm saying, Chris. If we can convince him why it's worth sticking with this group, then we will be able to keep him. That's why we have kept him despite his constant flirtation with going home.

[the_champ33]

Wouldn't surprise me. I thought I heard a family member was ill and that's a main factor in his going home request.

[christicehurst]

Wouldn't surprise me. I thought I heard a family member was ill and that's a main factor in his going home request.


That's a big factor to put in. Career wise, his illness will past and will past away. Sadly you can't jump careers each time something happens.

[Spanner]

Ah, but when it's a serious illness the desire is to be there as much as possible, and you can't do that from the other end of the country.

[christicehurst]

It is very hard, maybe long term leave if the illness becomes very serious.

[Spanner]

It's hard for us as spectators to say what's best, because we're inherently biased. We want Ash in the team, end of story. Thing is, there may objectively be reasons why he would be best off playing for a WA club.

[christicehurst]

We would get a decent trade for him, but that's too far into the future.

[Spanner]

The main thing that we want is to have a great season this year from him, and we can worry about next year when the time comes. Though we would love to keep him in maroon, blue, and gold for as long as possible.

[the_champ33]

Let Ash play the season first. Worry about all that when the time comes.

[Spanner]

I think he played in the reserves last week? Can someone confirm this?

[the_champ33]

He definitely played in the reserves last week and will do the same this week.

[Spanner]

Presuming his ankle holds, that is.

We need him back in the seniors and quickly.

[the_champ33]

I think he'll miss a week at least. A rolled ankle is usually sore for a week and he'll be feeling soreness. I'd rather him miss a week, then have him healthy long-term. Sooner he's back in the seniors, the better.

A game winner and goal kicker.

[Spanner]

Yeah... without Hooper firing, we're totally coming up short with crumbing options.

[worbsy]

Has he impressed anyone else since he's played in the backline?

His dash has been superb from what I've seen. I prefer him away from the goals!

[the_champ33]

Ash McGrath is a great player forward or back.

I think people are forgetting he was average 2-3 goals a game last year before the broken arm.

Playing superb in the back lines though and loves running.

[worbsy]

I never thought he was that good up forward, because he wouldn't get much of the ball. But now that he goes through the middle and down back and gets more of it, I see the amount of ability that he really has

[the_champ33]

He's assigned to crumb and lock the ball in forward when playing forward. They select the big targets first.

You're right about him now back and in the middle. I love it a lot. Always been a fan of Ash.

[worbsy]

Did you always realise that he was as quick as he is? I only realised it a few games ago...

[the_champ33]

I've always known him to be quick. It's just that it's been limited in the forward lines @ times due to the bigger targets and the crumming required from Ash.

Superb bloke.

[worbsy]

With all of these position changes with players allowing for their abilities to be best used, our best 22 has become pretty damn good.

[the_champ33]

and the depth is appearing also.

[worbsy]

What was he thinking doing some of our kicking in last night?

As far as I'm concerned, his time is just about up.

[the_champ33]

He might be out of contract @ end of 2008 and potentially seek a trip back to home to WA.

[worbsy]

Other sides may show a bit of interest in him too, with his goalkicking and speed.

[Kenyon]

It's difficult to kick goals when one cant get the ball!

[christicehurst]

Here's food for thought - trade for Adam Selwood?

[worbsy]

Haha, West Coast would never give him up. Especially for Grinch.

[the_champ33]

They won't give us Selwood. I don't think the 2 brothers would cope together especially since they had to school seprately due to the sibling rivarly. They'd fight with each other more than the team itself.

I wouldn't mind Joel Selwood the young one from Geelong. He's a gun who keeps going on the up.

[christicehurst]

They won't give us Selwood. I don't think the 2 brothers would cope together especially since they had to school seprately due to the sibling rivarly. They'd fight with each other more than the team itself.

I wouldn't mind Joel Selwood the young one from Geelong. He's a gun who keeps going on the up.


Getting Joel might require some work!

[the_champ33]

Excalty
They won't him go cheap either. He's probably the closest to home out of all of them too and he might not want to leave

[worbsy]

Another Bendigo guy :)
I don't even think they'd take Jonathan Brown for Joel, he's their future captain.

37 possessions, then 35 possessions in his last 2 games. And he's only a second year player!

Real hard at the ball too, such a great player. He'll be the best player in the AFL at some point.

[the_champ33]

Tell me about it @ Joel. Incredible.

[worbsy]

I remember doing Little Athletics as a kid with Joel, and he would win ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.

One of those guys that is just awesome at every sport he plays.

[worbsy]

Ash still didn't get it much tonight.

When he has it, he's pretty good... how can he learn to get it more?

Needs to have a chat with Diezel I think, lol

[the_champ33]

I still like the Ash and think you're all being too harsh on him.

Does well with the footy when he has it, but yes he could do with finding it some more.

Still a good player and one I like. However I still think he might be WA bound in 2009.

[worbsy]

Wow, very impressive performance tonight. I like him as a defender now.

[worbsy]

Big game from Ash. Played 85% of the game. 14 touches (5 contested) at 71% effectiveness, which is better than he normally is! Also put on 7 tackles, a big defensive effort. Keep him there.

[worbsy]

Quad injury puts him out for the 'season', which is just one game, but annoying nonetheless. How many bloody quad/hamstring injuries have we had this year!?

[the_champ33]

The quad curse strikes again.

[worbsy]

Just crazy. It was at the Gabba too, which adds more to the surface argument.

[Jedstheman]

Just crazy. It was at the Gabba too, which adds more to the surface argument.
Ash went off and we stopped running out of Defence this is one of the reasons we lost the game I think we need him to stay

[worbsy]

The Herald Sun mentioned he was a priority to sign, so that says to me that the club don't want him gone.

[Jedstheman]

Ash McGarth got a 4.7 rating for the year from insidefootball

[lion4life]

Bad Season. 25 years old. Maybe 1 more season to prove he can still do it.

[the_champ33]

Not sure what'll happen with Ash.

Possible trade?

Might request to go back to WA

Given one more season and chance with the Lions. If he does I'll expect him to remain in defence given how superb he played there in 2008.

[worbsy]

Yep, keep him and stick him in defense. Not as a stopper though.

[sportzo]

Yep, keep him and stick him in defense. Not as a stopper though.

we need crumbing forwards tho and he is sooooo god at that he is really fast aswell actually i really wanna c him play tho at so um in the midfield give him a go i wonder how he will go he has a very accurate kick he is a utility i rekon!!!!!!!!!!

[b_lions16]

MacG is a natural forward. Stick him in the forward pocket and he works like a charm. Speed is definitely one thing and his ability to not get in the way of Browny and Braddy is a good priority. He scoops it up real fast and works as a Nathan Foley I reckon. Finshing is better than half the team so he would do great snapping them from the boundary.

[worbsy]

It was September when I said keep him in defence... Since then Corrie has gone, and Hooper has stuffed up again. I spose Ash has to go forward now. In the game late this year when Bradshaw kicked about 4 or 5 in a row really quick, McGrath delivered 2 perfect passes onto his chest. I'd like to see him get occasional runs through the middle just so he can do that again.

[Kenyon]

No, no, no. If Rich is any good he shouldn't get a game. McGrath, Selwood & Copeland are the liabilities, with the later gone. McGrath is one of these 1 good game in 4 players. We lose games because too much if left too few (Liam Pickering quote) At best he can come off the bench to plug holes but the club has persevered way too long. Not a fan.

[worbsy]

No, no, no. If Rich is any good he shouldn't get a game. McGrath, Selwood & Copeland are the liabilities, with the later gone. McGrath is one of these 1 good game in 4 players. We lose games because too much if left too few (Liam Pickering quote) At best he can come off the bench to plug holes but the club has persevered way too long. Not a fan.

Rich will get games anyway, McGrath wont be keeping him out of the side, and vice-versa. With Corrie gone and Hooper out for a month, there will be plenty of spots up for grabs.

I used to be the same way with McGrath, but his games in defence last year changed my mind. I can see absolutely where you're coming from though.

[Jedstheman]

Rich will get games anyway, McGrath wont be keeping him out of the side, and vice-versa. With Corrie gone and Hooper out for a month, there will be plenty of spots up for grabs.

I used to be the same way with McGrath, but his games in defence last year changed my mind. I can see absolutely where you're coming from though.
Both you are rite about Ash................... playing as a forward this year you would think but.

[sportzo]

Both you are rite about Ash................... playing as a forward this year you would think but.


yeah i suggested all of this first lol!!!!!!!!hehe:p

[Jedstheman]

As report in the SundayMail yesterday Ash McGarth is said to be training in a midfeild role and looks set to be playing there in 09

[worbsy]

Thats good. I don't like him that much as a forward, he goes missing way too often. He's dangerous with the ball in his hands, but that doesn't happen often enough. It will if he plays midfield though.

[b_lions16]

I reckon MacG is at best if playing as a medium/crumbing forward. He can kick bags if not given a good opponent. Midfield is good, tho he will still find it hard to find a spot there with our bolted mid stocks.

[Jedstheman]

I reckon MacG is at best if playing as a medium/crumbing forward. He can kick bags if not given a good opponent. Midfield is good, tho he will still find it hard to find a spot there with our bolted mid stocks.
I don`t know about that seems to me Voss will be changing alot of players roles so McGarth my play as a mid all year.......Don`t be surprized to see luke Power up forward more this year he was great up there in the years we won flags and Vossy knows this all to well.

[worbsy]

But Lukey is still one of our top 2 players at the stoppages, if we are to see him up forward I reckon it'd be later on in the season once guys like Risky and Adcock show they're in form.

[worbsy]

Where TeeJay plays will be interesting.

[Jedstheman]

I have him in the centre or first man off the bench or up forward rotating with Power perhaps

[the_champ33]

This is quite interesting if Ash plays midfield. I don't entirely see him there myself.

I've always seen him as a running flank either forward or back otherwise a crummbing forward role.

I think he kicks 2-4 goals a kick as a crummer.

Either way I hope 2009 is a good one for him.

[Jedstheman]

Beat Milne hands down when he was on and good game for him:D

[b_lions16]

Got reported, the big bloke.
Bumped Gardiner in the head and Gardy fell. :D

[worbsy]

I don't see how he could have avoided it though, he was in full motion

[Jedstheman]

Ash Mcgarth was stitched up by Eddie Betts the other night the one thats stands out for me was when at a stoppage in the first quarter in our defencive 50 there was a thow in Juddy cleared the ball clean bust clear eddie was on his right shoulder Ash was already beaten because he got caught watching the ball and not his man it really pissed me off because on the replay you see him lose Eddie then Judd whiped a no look hand pass over his shoulder and Betts kick truely it was the start of a long night for Ash I could go on but Kenny will be able to go into it with much more detail than I ever could;)

[worbsy]

I watched Mcgrath quite a bit at the game and he was bloody lazy. Would hardly chase at all, he pissed me right off. Swap him for Collier after that, seriously.

[Jedstheman]

We need this guy to take Leon out of the game it is very important............ Davis is and a player who can be kept quite but you have to be on from the bounce because if he can get a sniff he can be very damaging Ash needs to bring in a big one this week or we could be hurt remember the Eddie Betts episode from 2 weeks ago.:D

[b_lions16]

McGrath on Neon is not going to work out, Davis will run him out and kick and score from an impossible range. MacG then will go all lazy-dazy and then stay back and then we will have Neon loose and that could be VERY dangerous.

[worbsy]

I don't see a better match up that we can afford to put on Davis though, Scotty. I wouldn't let JayMac waste his talents on stopping Davis when Ash could do okay, and MAc can tackle Medhurst.

[b_lions16]

Their forward line is VERY hard to crack: Thomas, Medhurst, Davis, Cloke, etc.

[worbsy]

Yep, hard to match up on. Luckily our defence isn't the most conventional you'll see either!

[lions_girl_4life]

Their forward line is VERY hard to crack: Thomas, Medhurst, Davis, Cloke, etc.
Let's just make sure the footy doesn't get into there forward 50... Problem solved :p

[b_lions16]

As I said, the tackling would be the key in this match. If we can keep Pendles, Swan, etc. marked tightly and some tough footy aggressiveness in there, we will control it.

[Kenyon]

Ash Mcgarth was stitched up by Eddie Betts the other night the one thats stands out for me was when at a stoppage in the first quarter in our defencive 50 there was a thow in Juddy cleared the ball clean bust clear eddie was on his right shoulder Ash was already beaten because he got caught watching the ball and not his man it really pissed me off because on the replay you see him lose Eddie then Judd whiped a no look hand pass over his shoulder and Betts kick truely it was the start of a long night for Ash I could go on but Kenny will be able to go into it with much more detail than I ever could;)

Correct again Jethro. Some adjectives come to mind - lazy, useless, inconsistent, undisiplined. The problem we have with this bloke is he plays 1 good game in 4 which saves his spot. The other problem is the clubs insistence on playing Adcock in the mid-field. Whilst he is going well at the minute he could be an All Australian back pocket player & he would towel up Neon Leon, as, if you remember rightly, he has before. Frankly, at least for this week with their small forwards who are all dangerous, I'd play Jethro, Adcock not Theman, in defence, drop McGrath, & bring Brennan into the mid-field. Face it, someones gotta go to fit Brennan in, so it's either gonna be Notting, Stiller or McGrath.

[worbsy]

It'll be Notting, Kenya. He copped a big spray from Vossy, coz he had one good quarter with a goal and that was it. Doesn't deserve his spot this week.

The laziest moment I saw was in the 3rd or 4th quarter when the game was in the balance, he just jogged after Betts near the goals. I was ready to go give him a push!

[lions_girl_4life]

It would have been more than a push from me. :D

[Kenyon]

Well, he survives yet again. Wouldve been unlucky though, I thought Notting would get axed. But no, Albert Proud, good, young, up & comer, who can play, gets the flick instead.

[b_lions16]

Vossy said that Proud is under something called 'immense pressure' and 'can't perform properly' due to his charges. ;)
Meh...A fit Brennan for a distressed Proud....Win. :)

[lions_girl_4life]

Back to Ash. Your thoughts on how he will go tonight?

[Jedstheman]

well his first two kicks were out on the full caught holding twice stumbled around the defencive 50 doing sweet eff all but I will stop rite there as I am very sure Kenny will come on here and give a more colourfull detailed report on Ash's game ..................I think the next time I mention him it will be in the TeeCee thread posting on how he is the perfect replacment for Ash

[b_lions16]

He had like 10+ clangers for the game which is more than the WHOLE Collingwood side in a quarter. ;)

[worbsy]

well his first two kicks were out on the full caught holding twice stumbled around the defencive 50 doing sweet eff all but I will stop rite there as I am very sure Kenny will come on here and give a more colourfull detailed report on Ash's game ..................I think the next time I mention him it will be in the TeeCee thread posting on how he is the perfect replacment for Ash

Voss had better swing the axe for the next game IMO, and Ash is at the top of my list.

After that first kick out on the full, and he got the ball again I was screaming "Don't give it to fucken Grinch!", and sure enough, his next one was even worse than the first. If you can't kick, you shouldn't be playing football, and Ash should piss off back to the reserves for a month and think about what he's doing.

[Jedstheman]

Voss had better swing the axe for the next game IMO, and Ash is at the top of my list.

After that first kick out on the full, and he got the ball again I was screaming "Don't give it to fucken Grinch!", and sure enough, his next one was even worse than the first. If you can't kick, you shouldn't be playing football, and Ash should piss off back to the reserves for a month and think about what he's doing.
Just like Shermo you just new it after those first 2 kicks that a shocker was on the cards

[lions_girl_4life]

Watching Shermo, I was screaming abuse at the T.V. I just couldn't believe his game or Ash's. They have both played a few games and they shouldn't be making those sorts of mistakes.

[worbsy]

McGrath was a pretty high draft pick too, we made a bad choice there.

[b_lions16]

McGrath was a pretty high draft pick too, we made a bad choice there.
Pick 13 2000 National Draft. We would've snapped up Shaun Burgoyne, Daniel Harris or even Scott Thompson! :(

[Jedstheman]

Word on the Street is McGarth got pulled aside after the Cats game and was told if he didn't step the F%$K up he was goneski same with another player who has the letters Tee and Jay in his name and has been sporting a beard for a while now.Full story can be read in todays Courier Mail:p.....No Doubt 16 will post it sooner or later

[worbsy]

Good news all round... except the bit about us missing out on Shaun Burgoyne or Scotty Thompson!

[b_lions16]

Terrific game from McGrath which is a bit strange...lol. :D
27 possessions which is a career high for him, I think.
Was pivotal in the 3rd quarter where he ran the ball out of our defensive half...he was named in Adam Goodes 'Best Indigenous 22' on afl.com.au.

[Kenyon]

Agree, he is no longer my 'must get out of the seniors' target. That inauspicious mantle now falls to Rischetelli.

[lions_girl_4life]

Liked Ash's game and with Risky, I reckon he has one maybe two weeks before he is called in to question.

[worbsy]

I thought he was still a bit lazy at times when I saw him, but I missed a lot of the good that he did apparently coz I was behind the goals meaning there were parts of quarters that I didnt see much.

[lions_girl_4life]

He was pretty good in my opinion.

[Kenyon]

Geez I luv McGrath, never let me hear anyone knock him.

[Jedstheman]

Geez I luv McGrath, never let me hear anyone knock him.

Bah!!!!! as soon as we lose you will be on his case Kenny no doubt I will jion in on the smack talk.

[Kenyon]

No way J'ro, all we need is for Mackie to break his leg or neck & the mighty McGrath will be All Australian.

[worbsy]

Mmm... don't ya just love the smell of sweet, sweet sarcasm in the arvo? ;)

[christicehurst]

No way J'ro, all we need is for Mackie to break his leg or neck & the mighty McGrath will be All Australian.

Brownlow!

[b_lions16]

Brownlow!
Player of the Century!

[worbsy]

He was pretty good last night... found some footy which is good. Still ran at half-pace though, I'd love to see him sprint a bit more and produce some excitement.

[b_lions16]

Still rebounded from Defensive 50 tho...had about 4, I think. And had about 4 bounces.

[lions_girl_4life]

He had some fantastic marks though. There was one on the goal line that was bloody awesome!

[christicehurst]

You have to give him credit - his best career performance against Geelong. You can't ask more then that.

[lions_girl_4life]

After tonight, he has my respect. Not all of it but a decent portion. A fantastic game from Ash.

[worbsy]

Stepped up when Jedda went down, and basically played Adcocks role.

I was surprised to hear that Ash has had the highest number of hitting targets in our forward 50 this year!
He's definitely a better player in defence than up forward IMO. He wasn't lazy this week which is a great sign!

[christicehurst]

He's improving which is great to see. Pressure will go back on Harding, Notting etc.

[lions_girl_4life]

Stepped up, and is slowly earning my full respect back.

[b_lions16]

He stepped up when Jedda went down. And I see him playing more of a midfield role for the rest of the year because of Adcock's injury. His pace comes as a great attribute...and he hit Brown like five times tonight. Was 3rd in Effective Kicks, lead the Inside-Fifties with 7 for us...and scored 139 DT Points. ;)

[lions_girl_4life]

Not a bad effort - to put it lightly.

[b_lions16]

BRISBANE defender Ashley McGrath says Lions coach Michael Voss shamed him after the club's 93-point thrashing at the hands of Geelong in Round 5. And the 26-year-old can not thank Voss enough.
He was not alone in being well below his best against the red-hot Cats at a freezing Skilled Stadium back on April 26.
He finished the day with eight possessions, three marks and one tackle as Geelong's potent forward line scored at will, with superstar Gary Ablett providing immaculate service with his 42 touches.
McGrath averaged close to 15 possessions a match before last night's re-match with the Cats at the Gabba.
McGrath says the brutal post-match review from former premiership-winning teammate Voss was just what he needed to get his football back on track.
"After that game Vossy said I let myself down and the team down with the way I played," McGrath said.
"He didn't hold back. He was really honest, which is what you want.
"He showed me a few highlights where I had done the wrong things.
"He said I had done some good work to get into a good position but then let it all slip and let everybody down.
"It really rammed home that at the end of the day - you are playing for the blokes in the team, the club and the supporters.
"Vossy is the kind of bloke you want to go out there and really play for, too, so that talk has been a really big motivator ever since."
McGrath spent the first seven years of his AFL career as a crumbing small forward, but has carved out a niche in the back pocket in the past 18 months.
On his day, McGrath can be devastating running out of the Lions backline, providing the Brisbane forwards with all-important quick and accurate ball.
His speed and elusiveness are critical weapons in breaking down rolling zones.
The South Fremantle product concedes he may have been guilty of complacency as he grew into one of the club's more senior players.
He is one of just seven players left at Brisbane with a premiership medal in the trophy cabinet at home.
"I'd been pretty happy with myself the last few years, but Vossy brought me back to earth after that Geelong game," he said.
"Ever since then I have been taking it one week at a time because I don't have the luxury to be happy with myself.
"We have blokes back in the reserves like Matt Austin, Bradd Dalziell and James Hawksley who can come straight into the side and do a really good job if I don't do well."
He said the Lions had been drawing on the football lesson from the Cats in April and the side's development was still an encouraging work in progress.
"We basically got bullied by Geelong down there and we've been in a couple of situations against St Kilda and Carlton when we should have won but they ran over the top of us," McGrath said.
"We know we need to muscle-up and be physical all the time. When we go out there and hit teams hard, we can be a very good side.
"If we can do that and keep our structure and hold the values that are important to our group - like being strong over the ball, running hard, linking up and those sorts of things - then we play good footy." http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,25765224-5016181,00.html
(http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,25765224-5016181,00.html)

[Balony_pony16]

on the channel 7 footy show today, mark robbo called him the best attacking small defender in the game

[christicehurst]

Great work from him and I hope he can fill in for Adcock for the rest of the year.

[sweegs]

It was awesome to see Ash play last night - he seemed to appear wherever and whenever needed, and more than once he had so much space to run. Like many here, it seems to me his play has tremendously improved and he's put more effort into reining in his hot head (besides occurences like last week). Him, Black, Power, and the others... very very nice group!

[Jedstheman]

McGarth had a big Pre season training regime and was talked up as an onballer at one stage............... after last nigts B.O.G I feel he has the engine to do it.

[Kenyon]

Leave him down back J'ro, I don't know how many times I gotta tell yu, this bloke is an All Australian BP. Bloody superstar.

[Jedstheman]

Leave him down back J'ro, I don't know how many times I gotta tell yu, this bloke is an All Australian BP. Bloody superstar.


Hey Buddy back off now I remember you saying he would be sunnycoast bound and delisted by years end a while ago he has shown he is a very capable rebounder defender so it makes sense that he could play bursts onball.

[worbsy]

His delivery to our forwards should be enough to let him have stints through the midfield. I'd rather he get caught holding the ball in the middle when he is lazy than next to the goals.

[Balony_pony16]

Hey Buddy back off now I remember you saying he would be sunnycoast bound and delisted by years end a while ago he has shown he is a very capable rebounder defender so it makes sense that he could play bursts onball.

every team needs about 8-10 players who can rotate in the middle...McGrath would be great in short bursts, and should be able to cover adcocks role perfectly.

Also,I think everyone wrote McGrath off earlier, but with good reason...He was getting beaten one on one and had no impact in rebounding the ball from defense. He is a much different player now then 10 weeks ago. I love the way he plays, and watching him against Port a few weeks back he really impressed me with his work ethic and endevour...AA next season ;)

[Kenyon]

Hey Buddy back off now I remember you saying he would be sunnycoast bound and delisted by years end a while ago he has shown he is a very capable rebounder defender so it makes sense that he could play bursts onball.

Thats all correct, but he kept reading my posts & pulled his head in. BLUM have turned McGrath into a potent weapon. Now we should turn ouR attention to the next big problem - HARDING.

[Jedstheman]

Thats all correct, but he kept reading my posts & pulled his head in. BLUM have turned McGrath into a potent weapon. Now we should turn ouR attention to the next big problem - HARDING.


That name is dead to me don't even no who you are talking about..........As for Mcgarth I should of takin the bet you threw out there many moons ago just so I could tell you about every week:D

[Kenyon]

Shoulda, but didnt

[Jedstheman]

Ash had a very quite game didn't get stitched by his man which is a good thing but we got no rebound from him very dissappointed that he let Ballyntyne get inside his head.

[lions_girl_4life]

He also caused a few turnovers.

[lions_girl_4life]

A quiet game compared to recent standards but not horrible.

[Jedstheman]

flashed in and out of the game had a couple kicked on him played on a couple of guys and maybe just broke even

[dannigirl lionheart]

another one who played bloody well tonight... onya Ash!

[blackyismyboy]

I love it when he gets the ball. He backs himself and fierce at the ball.

[christicehurst]

another one who played bloody well tonight... onya Ash!

Kenyon Effect

[blackyismyboy]

I love sharing my name with Ash! Hehehe.

[b_lions16]

Kenyon Effect
It's even rubbing off on Harding...19 touches of him tonight. :D

[lions_girl_4life]

Harding was alright

[worbsy]

He is a really great kick in terms of how low and spearing they are. His field kicking technique is one of the best at our club I reckon.

[Jedstheman]

Season Highlights
http://img.footywire.com/afl/img/dot.gif21 disps (16 kicks 5 hballs), 5 marks and 2 goals in Rd 22 8-pt win over Sydney (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=4308) at the SCG (29 Aug 2009)
http://img.footywire.com/afl/img/dot.gif20 disps (13 kicks 7 hballs), 8 marks, 7 tackles and a goal in Rd 21 15-pt win over Port Adelaide (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=4146) at the Gabba (22 Aug 2009)
http://img.footywire.com/afl/img/dot.gif29 disps (17 kicks 12 hballs) and 9 marks in Rd 18 40-pt loss to Collingwood (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=4178) at the MCG (1 Aug 2009)
http://img.footywire.com/afl/img/dot.gif21 disps (11 kicks 10 hballs) and 10 marks in Rd 17 41-pt win over North Melbourne (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=4138) at the Gabba (25 Jul 2009)
http://img.footywire.com/afl/img/dot.gif30 disps (20 kicks 10 hballs), 14 marks and 4 tackles in Rd 15 43-pt win over Geelong (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=4275) at the Gabba (11 Jul 2009)
http://img.footywire.com/afl/img/dot.gif22 disps (19 kicks 3 hballs) and 8 marks in Rd 14 48-pt loss to Port Adelaide (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=4209) at AAMI Stadium (4 Jul 2009)
http://img.footywire.com/afl/img/dot.gif22 disps (13 kicks 9 hballs) and 12 marks in Rd 13 55-pt win over Melbourne (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=4203) at the Gabba (27 Jun 2009)

[blackyismyboy]

I've been loving his games this year.

[Jedstheman]

Rounds 13 to 18 Ash was on fire

[miloman]

His last qter effort last week was tremendous, he more then likely get the job on betts. Who is no known for his defnsive pressure so he should be able to run it out a fair bit.

[Jedstheman]

Betts smashed ash in Rd2 and I do not no who got the upper hand in the return match at the Gabba in Rd11 if they match up on each other it should be a very good match up................. Betts will be stinging to prove himself after being dropped last week but Ash is in pretty good form at the moment

[brandon]

another solid game by ash tonight
well done

[miloman]

Solid... he has been on fire the last half of the year, the way he just takes the game on, and betts did he score a goal.
ASH MCGRATH what a star.

[Jedstheman]

Mcgarth got the better of betts tonite for sure........... he played really well come to think of it

[brandon]

yeah he played well
but not as good as some of his other games

i thought he was solid, but not a stand out

he did some good things though

well done mc grath

[lions_girl_4life]

McGrath is one of our most improved this season - though no where near as improved as Mitchy

[Kenyon]

He's a godamned superstar. It's all the bakes he copped on this site last year - it's inspired him. I thought he was BOG on Sat night1

[lions_girl_4life]

Seriously there have been so many guys that stepped this year

[blackyismyboy]

There really have been! Mitchy's stepped up big time, and Ash, and of course Sherman. These guys are gonna be great!

[b_lions16]

He's a godamned superstar. It's all the bakes he copped on this site last year - it's inspired him. I thought he was BOG on Sat night1
Cop ya own dust Kenny...and I suspect you'll pick McGrath in the Draft Game this year? ;)

[worbsy]

The thing that sticks out to me is his kicking. He is the master of the low, spearing pin-point kicks onto the chest of Brown and Bradshaw.

[lions_girl_4life]

The ones that defenders can't do a thing to stop :D

[miloman]

GEEZ his second half of the season waws tremendous really stood up, drummo was sidelined jed was out, he gave drive and direction, and some of his passes into the foward 50 were.......
he will be better next year with raines and jed there to support him.
GREAT PLAYER, and what a year.

[b_lions16]

With Raines in, he'll move up the ground more into the midfield and outrun everyone. And not to mention he can kick a big goal. :D

[Sheminator]

No, i do not agree.

[christicehurst]

No, i do not agree.

Hello new member, how are you? Maybe you can explain abit more about yr first post :D

[christicehurst]

He's a godamned superstar. It's all the bakes he copped on this site last year - it's inspired him. I thought he was BOG on Sat night1

Risky for Brownlow 2010?

[b_lions16]

http://www.afl.com.au/competitions/goal/goal.aspx#
- Vote for McGrath's GOTY Nomination

[b_lions16]

Ash McGrath: His second half of the season was exceptional. He straightens the side up coming out of defence and his speedy rebound creates chances for his forwards. If he can build on this season he will have a very good career. Rating: 8

[Balony_pony16]

Ash McGrath: His second half of the season was exceptional. He straightens the side up coming out of defence and his speedy rebound creates chances for his forwards. If he can build on this season he will have a very good career. Rating: 8

I would almost give him a 9...we all bagged the shit out of him at the start of the season, but he started to turn his game around well before midway I believe. He will push for AA if he keeps up his form through the 2010 season. His disposal is unreal, and I never forget his kicking from defense against Port at amii stadium...top quality

[lions_girl_4life]

If the bagging works, then lets hope PreSeasons and Hoops heard it as well

[Balony_pony16]

If the bagging works, then lets hope PreSeasons and Hoops heard it as well

lol...and put Risky on that list as well

[lions_girl_4life]

Risky, Hoops and PreSeasons - GET UR BLOODY ACTS TOGETHER

[Balony_pony16]

Risky, Hoops and PreSeasons - GET UR BLOODY ACTS TOGETHER

you forgot "BASTARDS" :D

[lions_girl_4life]

Oops, my bad

[Jedstheman]

Looking for a huge year coming from Ash wether its forward back or middle he needs to give us what he did from about RD9 last year or better otherwise his season should be classed as a failure.

[b_lions16]

He showed us what he can do...but his first half of the season was absolutely shocking...smeared with crappy disposal and at cost the team a lot...think it was Round 5 when Vossy pulled him aside and gave him that massive spray...If he does what he did from the Geelong game onwards, then he could be potential AA...cracked 20+ possessions 7 times out of 9 in that last half of the season...should see more time in the midfield with the arrival of Raines and Maguire.

[lions_girl_4life]

After a promising second half to the season, every lions supporter has reason to be excited about what he could do

[b_lions16]

What position do you think McGrath will play in 2010?...Midfielder or an attacking defender, like he was this year. I reckon he'll play in the midfield with Raines and Maguire added to our defence to make it much more stable at the bone. Hopefully he'll be able to fire from Round 1 instead of this year where he could only get his act going from the mid-season break onwards. Will be in line for a good year if he could get back to that form we saw in the second-half of the season.

[Jedstheman]

What position do you think McGrath will play in 2010?...Midfielder or an attacking defender, like he was this year. I reckon he'll play in the midfield with Raines and Maguire added to our defence to make it much more stable at the bone. Hopefully he'll be able to fire from Round 1 instead of this year where he could only get his act going from the mid-season break onwards. Will be in line for a good year if he could get back to that form we saw in the second-half of the season.

I think he should be first off the bench straight onball for a burst 7 to 10 minutes then push back to defence or start in defence go onball for a burst then to the bench hard to say really but he will not play strickly one or the other I don't think he has the engine to be a straight up onballer but would be wasted as a defender only...... he needs to spend burst in the thick of it Imo

[NapalmDth]

I don't object to him playing as a mid, but I have real trouble taking our most potent attacking weapon away from the spot he dominated last year. Ash's long, flat bullet passes after a dash to our defensive 50m line that would hit forwards on the chest on our attacking 50 turned defense into attack last year more often than I can remember. He was devastating, and turned the tide in several games. I would not like to lose that from our team.