Bombers secure McGrath

ESSENDON No.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath is set to close a brilliant first year with a fresh contract extension.

The Rising Star winner is set to recommit to the Bombers for another two years.

McGrath, 19, was already signed to the end of next year but list manager Adrian Dodoro has moved early to lock-in the speedster until the end of 2020.

The deal is expected to be finalised as early as this week.

Brisbane Lions youngster Hugh McCluggage remains the only player picked in the top 10 of last year’s national draft yet to sign an extension.

Brisbane remains confident it will secure the midfielder’s signature with the Lions looking to secure either goal kicker Cameron Rayner or prolific midfielder Andrew Brayshaw with the No.1 pick in Friday’s national draft in Sydney.

McGrath enjoyed a brilliant debut season playing 21 games in defence for Essendon but the club has already confirmed the ballwinner will push up on to a wing next season.

He will give Essendon added polish in the engine room.

It has added to its scoring power landing Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad in a productive trade period.

McGrath’s place in the back line will be taken by speedster Saad, while Smith and Stringer are set to join McGrath for significant stints in the midfield next season.

McGrath said last week he was looking forward to a bright future at Tullamarine.