ESSENDON defender Andrew McGrath doesn't seem bothered at all with the pressure normally attached to being the No.1 pick in the NAB AFL Draft, says teammate James Kelly.
Kelly told the AFL Exchange podcast that the 19-year-old's efforts in his first year showed an unflappable character and the former Cat was a big McGrath fan.
"He just has a really composed, calm nature about him and that comes out in the way he plays footy," Kelly told AFL.com.au.
"He very rarely looks pressured, but that is just who he is."
McGrath is the first No.1 pick Kelly has lined up alongside when making their debut in his illustrious career that has seen him play in three flags with Geelong before reaching 300 games this season when playing with the Bombers.
The veteran said McGrath just took being the top pick in his stride.
"It just doesn't bother him," Kelly said.
"He just plays footy and does what he does."
McGrath has played 15 games this season and is one of three potential NAB Rising Star winners alongside Hawthorn's Ryan Burton and Port Adelaide's Sam Powell-Pepper.
Kelly said the most impressive aspect of McGrath was his ability to put into practice what he was taught.
"The thing as a senior player that you like about him is that if you have feedback for him [and] you tell him, [then] the next time he is in that situation he has fixed it up and done what he needs to do straight away," Kelly said.
"Hopefully soon he'll push up on to the wing and into the midfield as he gets a bit stronger."
AFL Exchange also covers:
- James Kelly’s strong form and how he is approaching his decision on whether to play on
- Should all round 23 games be played simultaneously?
- The question of home finals venues.
