Ashley McGrath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ashley McGrath |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
McGrath with the Brisbane Lions in 2008
|
|||
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Ashley Vernon McGrath | ||
| Nickname(s) | Ash, Boonj | ||
| Date of birth | 20 May 1983 | ||
| Place of birth | Northam, Western Australia, Australia | ||
| Original team | South Fremantle (WAFL) | ||
| Draft |
|
||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Career highlights | |||
|
|||
Ashley Vernon McGrath (born 20 May 1983) is a retired Indigenous Australian rules football player. He played for the Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League (AFL). Ashley was known as a talented forward and later as a strong defender.
Contents
Becoming an AFL Star
Ashley McGrath was picked by the Brisbane Lions in the 2000 AFL Draft. He was the thirteenth player chosen overall. He made his first AFL appearance in 2001.
A Premiership Champion
By 2003, Ashley was a regular player for the Lions. He was part of the team that won their third straight AFL premiership. This was a huge achievement for him and the club.
In 2005, he got more chances to play as a forward. This happened after other forwards like Craig McRae and Alastair Lynch retired.
Trying New Positions
During the 2008 season, Ashley tried playing in a new spot. He was a "rebounding half-back flanker." This means he helped move the ball from defence into attack. He had some good games in this new role.
His 2009 season had two different parts. At first, his games weren't as strong. But after a break in the middle of the season, he played his best game ever. He had 30 "disposals" (kicks or handballs) against Geelong in Round 15. After that, he played much better for the rest of the year.
.jpg)
The "Miracle on Grass" Goal
One of Ashley's most famous moments happened in 2013. It was Round 13, and he was playing his 200th AFL game. The Lions were playing against Geelong. The game was very close.
Right at the end of the game, after the siren sounded, Ashley kicked a goal! This amazing kick won the game for the Lions. He became only the 36th AFL player to do this. This match is now famously known as the "Miracle on Grass".
Representing Australia
In 2013, Ashley was chosen to play for the Australia international rules football team. He played as the goalkeeper in the 2013 International Rules Series in Ireland. Australia lost the series, but it was an honour for Ashley to represent his country. He was the only Brisbane Lions player picked for the team that year.
Family in Football
Ashley comes from a family of footballers. His two brothers, Toby and Cory, also played for AFL clubs. He is also a cousin of former AFL player Dion Woods.
Retirement
Ashley McGrath announced he was retiring from football on August 21, 2014. When he retired, he was the last player left from the Brisbane Lions teams that won three premierships in a row.
Images for kids
-
McGrath with the Brisbane Lions in 2008
