Tim McGrath
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Tim McGrath (born October 7, 1970) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for North Melbourne in 1990 and 1991, and Geelong between 1992 and 2002.
McGrath had a successful career in the VFL Under 19s when he won the Morrish Medal in 1988 as the best player in that competition. That same year under coach Denis Pagan, McGrath, along with future adversary, Wayne Carey, would play in North Melbourne's Under 19s Premiership team.
He had debuted in the AFL in 1990 for North Melbourne, but only managed 7 games in his two seasons. He was cleared to Geelong, where he debuted in round 1, 1992 against Hawthorn. His first game however was shaky as he played at full-back against Hawthorn champion full-forward Jason Dunstall, who equalled his then-own record of 12 goals for an opening round record, which he also achieved 2 years earlier, also against Geelong. Despite the bad start, he finished 2nd to Ken Hinkley in Geelong's best and fairest award. He found a niche for himself at centre-half back.
He was a member of Geelong's 1992, 1994 and 1995 grand final teams.
Tim McGrath is well known for his battles with North Melbourne's champion centre-half forward Wayne Carey, whom McGrath beat on several occasions. McGrath's battles with Carey are considered second only to the Carey-Jakovich ones. Tim McGrath was also instantly recognisable with his bright red hair.
In 2002, McGrath found it hard to fit into the Geelong senior team as Matthew Scarlett and Tom Harley assumed responsibility for Geelong's backline. McGrath would captain Geelong's VFL premiership team against Port Melbourne. He would finish second in the VFL team's best and fairest award to former senior team mate, David Mensch.
After his retirement, he had played 212 senior games for the club.
