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Adam McPhee
Adam McPhee
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Adam McPhee (born 6 October 1982) is an Australian rules football player who played for the Fremantle Football Club and the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is a versatile player who has played both as a forward, defender and tagging role, with high-profile clashes with Gary Ablett, Jr. and Chris Judd in 2010.[2]

Key Information

Australian Football League career

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First stint at Fremantle

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McPhee was originally recruited by Fremantle from the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup with the 39th selection in the 2000 AFL draft. He made his AFL debut in 2001 and was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award that year. By the end of 2002, McPhee played 25 games in total for the Dockers. He was then traded to Essendon in his home state of Victoria in a three-way deal also involving Brisbane. Essendon had previously hoped to draft him late in the 2000 draft, but Fremantle had picked him ahead of where Essendon had expected him to be taken.[3]

Essendon years

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In McPhee's first year at Essendon he played every game and his tough approach earned him the club's "most courageous player" award. However it was in 2004 that McPhee really made his mark as an AFL player. In that year he was selected on the half-back flank in the All-Australian team, won the W.S. Crichton Medal as Essendon's best and fairest player and was Essendon's highest vote getter in the Brownlow Medal.[4]

In 2005, McPhee was restricted to only 14 games through injury and could not repeat his feats of 2004.[5]

On 30 July 2006, McPhee played his 100th senior game at the Telstra Dome. It was capped off with a win over the Brisbane Lions which broke, what was at the time, the club's longest streak without a win in its history, when he took a spectacular mark and also kicked a magnificent goal on the run.[6] He missed out on the honour the previous week because of a one match suspension served for striking St Kilda's Robert Harvey in an attempted spoil.[7]

On 25 April 2009, in the Anzac Day match, McPhee celebrated his 150th game with a five-point victory over Collingwood.[8]

Return to Fremantle

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After long discussions about a new contract with the Bombers, McPhee did not sign a new contract with Essendon by the 2.00pm deadline on 10 November 2009. Many believe McPhee left Essendon due to a fall out with the Coach of Essendon at the time, Matthew Knights. McPhee was expected to nominate to be drafted to another club and as expected, his former club Fremantle selected him with their selection in the pre-season draft. The possible move to Fremantle had been heavily criticised in some circles, partly as a result of the club's recent history in drafting mature-age recruits, but it has been applauded in other circles as the club gave up virtually nothing to land him.[9] His first match against his old club Essendon saw him hit the post twice, drop marks and kick out of bounds on the full right in front of Bombers fans who booed him consistently throughout the match. Despite his clangers, Fremantle managed to upset Essendon by 44 points.[10][11]

After McPhee's tough start in his return to Fremantle, he improved as the season went on after a change in role. McPhee played his best football for the Dockers towards the end of the season as a run-with player (tagger), a role which requires stopping the influence of the opposition team's most damaging players. McPhee's best game came against Hawthorn in the Elimination final, keeping Hawks champion Luke Hodge to just 13 disposals, and only 5 in the first three quarters.

In 2012 McPhee returned to the backline under new coach Ross Lyon, but mainly played on the smaller forwards.[12]

At the end of the 2012 season, a month after signing a one-year contract extension, McPhee retired from AFL football for family reasons. While there was much speculation he would return to his former club, the Essendon Football Club, he returned to Melbourne to work for his father-in-law's company.[12] He continues to play football and as of 2015 is playing for St Mary's in the Geelong Football League.[13]

Statistics

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[14]
Legend
  G  
Goals
  K  
Kicks
  D  
Disposals 
  T  
Tackles
  B  
Behinds 
  H  
Handballs 
  M  
Marks
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game) Votes
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2001 Fremantle 17 14 5 3 116 65 181 61 32 0.4 0.2 8.3 4.6 12.9 4.4 2.3 0
2002 Fremantle 17 11 4 1 71 37 108 46 17 0.4 0.1 6.5 3.4 9.8 4.2 1.5 0
2003 Essendon 33 24 10 7 177 140 317 98 67 0.4 0.3 7.4 5.8 13.2 4.1 2.8 0
2004 Essendon 33 21 15 9 237 125 362 125 56 0.7 0.4 11.3 6.0 17.2 6.0 2.7 12
2005 Essendon 33 14 9 4 185 72 257 113 32 0.6 0.3 13.2 5.1 18.4 8.1 2.3 6
2006 Essendon 33 20 8 9 234 113 347 142 56 0.4 0.5 11.7 5.7 17.4 7.1 2.8 0
2007 Essendon 33 22 7 4 279 166 445 181 68 0.3 0.2 12.7 7.5 20.2 8.2 3.1 6
2008 Essendon 33 20 18 12 188 119 307 143 55 0.9 0.6 9.4 6.0 15.4 7.2 2.8 1
2009 Essendon 33 21 16 8 207 164 371 136 55 0.8 0.4 9.9 7.8 17.7 6.5 2.6 1
2010 Fremantle 9 23 9 17 179 140 319 95 107 0.4 0.7 7.8 6.1 13.9 4.1 4.7 0
2011 Fremantle 9 12 9 12 86 61 147 40 33 0.8 1.0 7.2 5.1 12.3 3.3 2.8 0
2012 Fremantle 9 21 2 0 235 109 344 124 36 0.1 0.0 11.2 5.2 16.4 5.9 1.7 0
Career 223 112 86 2194 1311 3505 1304 614 0.5 0.4 9.8 5.9 15.7 5.8 2.8 26

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Adam McPhee (born 6 October 1982) is a former Australian rules footballer who played a total of 223 games and kicked 112 goals for the Fremantle Dockers and Essendon Bombers in the Australian Football League (AFL) from 2001 to 2012. A versatile capable of performing in defense, the midfield, and as a forward, McPhee was renowned for his courage and ball-winning ability under pressure. McPhee began his AFL career after being selected by with pick 39 in the 2000 National Draft from the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup under-18 competition. He made his debut in round 1 of the 2001 season against and played 25 games in his first two seasons, earning a for the award in his debut year. Traded to Essendon at the end of 2002 in exchange for draft pick 55, McPhee quickly established himself as a key contributor for the Bombers, playing 142 games and booting 83 goals over seven seasons from 2003 to 2009. His standout 2004 season saw him win Essendon's as the club's player with 322 votes, earn selection on the half-back flank in the , and receive the Most Courageous Player award, while also polling 12 votes in the . He added further Brownlow votes in 2005 (6), 2007 (6), 2008 (1), and 2009 (1). After rejecting a contract extension from Essendon and being delisted at the end of 2009, McPhee returned to via pick 3 in the 2010 pre-season draft, where he played his final 56 games and contributed 20 goals through to his in 2012 at age 30. Across his career, he averaged around 16 disposals per game and was valued for his leadership and adaptability.

Early life and junior career

Background and family

Adam McPhee was born on 6 October 1982 in Melbourne, Australia. McPhee's initial exposure to Australian rules football came through local clubs in the Melbourne suburbs, where he developed his early interest in the sport as a junior. He played with the Narre Warren Junior Football Club, a community-based organization that has nurtured several AFL talents over the years. During his first pre-season with in 2001, McPhee earned the nickname "Smokey," which became associated with him throughout his career.

Junior football and development

McPhee began his competitive junior football career with the Narre Warren Junior Football Club, a local outfit in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs, where he developed foundational skills in the . He progressed to the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup, Victoria's leading under-18 competition, during the late 1990s, establishing himself as a promising talent within the club's system. His consistent performances at this level led to selection in the Victoria Metro under-18 representative team for the 2000 AFL National Under-18 Championships, where he featured in key matches including the grand final against Vic Country. Standing at 190 cm and weighing 89 kg by age 18, McPhee exhibited the physical presence of a versatile athlete capable of contributing across multiple positions, such as on the wing and in defense, during his junior years. Participation in the 2000 AFL Draft Combine further highlighted his development, marking a significant milestone toward national draft eligibility as recruiters noted his potential for professional pathways.

AFL career

First stint at Fremantle (2001–2002)

McPhee was selected by with the 39th pick in the 2000 AFL National Draft, recruited from the Dandenong Stingrays in Victoria's TAC Cup competition. He made his AFL debut in round 9 of the 2001 season against on May 27, at the SCG, where he recorded 15 disposals and five marks in a 35-point loss. In his debut year, McPhee established himself as a versatile utility, rotating through forward, midfield, and defensive roles, including occasional tagging assignments on opposition wingers. He played 14 games, kicking five goals, and impressed with his marking ability and courage under pressure, earning a nomination for the award in round 13 after a 15-disposal performance against Essendon. In 2002, McPhee featured in 11 games, adding four goals to his tally while continuing to adapt to varied positions, often contributing from half-forward and providing rebound from defense. Over his two seasons at Fremantle, he appeared in 25 games and kicked nine goals in total, showing promise but facing challenges in securing a consistent senior role amid a competitive list. At the end of the 2002 season, McPhee was traded to Essendon as part of a complex three-way deal involving and , which saw move from Essendon to , from to , and McPhee head to his home state of Victoria; Essendon also acquired Damian Cupido from in the exchange.

Essendon years (2003–2009)

McPhee joined Essendon at the end of the 2002 AFL trade period in a three-way deal involving and , where the Bombers acquired him along with Damian Cupido in exchange for players and draft picks, including pick 55 to . He made an immediate impact, debuting in Round 1 of 2003 against the and playing all 24 home-and-away games that season as a courageous and defender, earning the club's Most Courageous Player award. Over his seven seasons at Essendon, McPhee appeared in 142 games and kicked 83 goals, adapting to the Bombers' high-pressure system while showcasing versatility across half-back, wing, and occasional forward roles. His breakout year came in 2004, when McPhee evolved from a tagging and defensive role into a key half-back flanker, playing 21 games and contributing 15 goals with strong marking and rebounding ability. He won Essendon's best-and-fairest award, the , polling 322 votes ahead of Jason Johnson (315), and was selected in the as well as representing Australia in the . McPhee also received the Most Improved Player and awards that year, solidifying his status as a rising leader. Injuries limited McPhee to 14 games in 2005, but he rebounded in 2006 with 20 appearances, continuing his development into a reliable defender-forward . By 2007, he played every game, recording a club-high 180 marks and finishing fifth in the count, further emphasizing his aerial strength and run from the backline. McPhee's role expanded in 2008 and 2009 to include more forward time, booting 18 and 16 goals respectively, including a milestone 150th career game on 2009 against Collingwood. McPhee featured in Essendon's 2004 elimination final loss to Melbourne, providing defensive stability in a team effort that ended a finals drought. Following the 2009 season, McPhee requested a trade back to Fremantle amid contract negotiations, citing family reasons for his desire to return west; he was delisted by Essendon to facilitate entry via the pre-season draft, ending his Bombers tenure after rejecting a two-year extension.

Return to Fremantle (2010–2012)

After being delisted by Essendon, McPhee was selected by with pick 3 in the 2010 AFL pre-season draft, securing a three-year contract that returned him to the club where he had begun his career. The move provided a fresh start in a midfield role under coach . In 2010, McPhee established himself as a versatile , often deployed in a tagging role against high-profile opponents such as and , contributing to Fremantle's combative, contested style of play. He played 23 games, averaging 13.9 disposals and 4.7 tackles per match, while kicking 9 goals, as the Dockers finished seventh and qualified for their first series since 2006. McPhee's leadership was evident early in the season, as he aimed to mentor Fremantle's younger squad amid a push for improved midfield depth and intensity. McPhee's 2011 season was disrupted by a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his left sustained during a round eight loss to West Coast, sidelining him for 6-8 weeks and limiting him to 12 games. Despite the form dip and reduced output—averaging 12.3 disposals and kicking another 9 goals— again reached the elimination finals, finishing sixth on the ladder. He faced additional scrutiny from the AFL match review panel for incidents including a high hit on St Kilda's Sam Gilbert and a striking charge against Carlton, though these did not result in extended suspensions. Under new coach in 2012, McPhee shifted primarily to the backline, where he experienced a resurgence as a veteran defender, playing 21 games and averaging 16.4 disposals per match while providing stability to Fremantle's defense during their run to a preliminary final. His goal tally dropped to 2 for the season, reflecting his repositioning, but his experience helped the team achieve their best campaign since 2006. At the end of the year, McPhee signed a one-year extension, only to announce his immediate on 19 November 2012, citing family priorities and a reluctance to relocate again for another club. Over his three seasons back at Fremantle, he played 56 games and kicked 20 goals, bringing his AFL career total to 223 games.

Playing style, achievements, and honors

Playing positions and style

Adam McPhee was renowned for his versatility across multiple positions throughout his AFL career, primarily operating as a half-forward, half-back defender, and tagger, with occasional stints on the and in the midfield. Standing at 190 cm and weighing 89 kg, his physical attributes allowed him to compete effectively in aerial contests and provide run from defence or forward lines, adapting to team needs without compromising his output. McPhee's playing style was characterized by aggressive tagging, strong marking ability, and leadership in contested situations, making him a reliable utility who could neutralize opposition threats while contributing to his team's structure. He excelled in shutdown roles, notably restricting high-profile midfielders such as and Lenny Hayes; for instance, in a 2010 match against St Kilda, McPhee limited Hayes to just 17 possessions—Hayes' season low—and only one touch in the final quarter, while holding him to four clearances overall. His marking prowess was evident in defensive setups, where he averaged 181 marks across 22 games in 2007, often launching transitions from the back half. In contested balls, McPhee displayed courage and consistency, frequently winning possessions under pressure to maintain team momentum. McPhee evolved from a raw, running junior prospect into a polished AFL utility, transitioning from wingman duties in his early Essendon years to a dominant half-back role by , where his adaptability earned All-Australian recognition. This development highlighted his growth in tactical awareness and physical maturity, enabling him to handle tagging assignments like those against Judd while maintaining versatility across half-forward and defensive flanks in later seasons.

Major awards and team contributions

During his time at Essendon, Adam McPhee achieved significant individual recognition, including selection on the half-back flank in the 2004 , highlighting his defensive prowess and versatility in just his second season with the club. That same year, he won the as Essendon's player, polling the highest votes with 322 ahead of Jason Johnson (315 votes), a testament to his consistent impact across 21 games. These honors underscored his rapid rise and contribution to Essendon's resurgence, where his explosive marking and run from defense were pivotal in the team's push to series, finishing eighth on the before a semi-final elimination loss. Earlier in his career with Fremantle, McPhee earned a nomination for the AFL Rising Star award in 2001 after debuting that season and playing 14 games, recognizing his potential as a versatile utility. Over his 223-game AFL career, which yielded 112 goals, McPhee's longevity and adaptability across clubs exemplified his team-oriented approach, providing stability in both backline and forward roles. Upon returning to Fremantle from 2010 to 2012, McPhee played 56 games and embraced a leadership role among a younger squad, contributing to the Dockers' development into a contender by 2010 and beyond through his and professionalism. His of emerging players, including guidance on preparation and game sense, helped foster a more mature playing group, as noted by club officials who praised his significant off-field influence during this period. McPhee's overall legacy lies in his dual-club impact, bridging defensive reliability with forward pressure to support team successes without dominating the spotlight.

Personal life and post-retirement

Family and retirement decision

McPhee was married to Bree, and the couple had two young sons, Taj and , at the time of his retirement announcement. Throughout his , McPhee's had provided strong support for his AFL pursuits, including periods away from , but by late 2012, he prioritized spending more time with them in their home city. In November 2012, shortly after signing a one-year contract extension with Fremantle following the season, McPhee decided to retire immediately and forgo any further playing opportunities, citing the need for greater family proximity as the primary motivation over continuing his AFL career. He expressed that while he believed he could have played at least one or two more seasons at a high level, the emotional pull of being closer to Bree and his sons outweighed professional commitments, stating that "family comes first over AFL." McPhee also noted the challenge of balancing the demands of football with family life, particularly after multiple relocations, including his return to Fremantle in Perth after earlier years with Essendon in Melbourne. By the time of his announcement, McPhee and his had already relocated from their home in Cottesloe, Perth, back to , marking a deliberate shift toward stability. In media statements, he reflected on the difficulty of leaving , where he had enjoyed a career resurgence, but emphasized the fulfillment of being present for his children's daily lives as a rewarding trade-off. This decision underscored his view that the game he loved could not supersede the people he loved most.

Post-AFL career and activities

Following his retirement from the AFL at the end of the 2012 season, McPhee returned to and transitioned into local football. He joined Greenvale Football Club in the , where he played and served as assistant coach from November 2012 to September 2013, before taking on the role of senior coach from late 2013 until October 2014. He stepped down from coaching to focus on his family following the premature birth of his third son, Bodhi, in 2014. McPhee continued his involvement in amateur football by playing for St Mary's in the Football League starting in 2015, recruited primarily as a forward but contributing across multiple roles. He sustained a injury early in the season but remained active with the club that year. No further reports of his participation in organized amateur football have emerged after 2015. In his professional life, McPhee entered the industry, taking on roles that built on his post-retirement experiences. He currently serves as a Site Manager at Plan Group, a Melbourne-based firm specializing in commercial and residential projects, where he oversees site establishment, compliance with health, safety, environment, and quality standards. Through 2025, McPhee has maintained a low public profile, with no reported involvement in AFL-related comebacks or major events, prioritizing a stable career and family life.

Career statistics

AFL regular season statistics

Adam McPhee's AFL regular season statistics reflect his versatility across clubs and roles, with a career total of 223 games, 112 goals, 2,194 kicks, 1,311 handballs, 3,505 disposals, 1,304 marks, and 614 tackles.
SeasonClubGPGoalsKicksHandballsDisposalsMarksTackles
2001Fremantle145116651816132
2002Fremantle11471371084617
2003Essendon24101771403179867
2004Essendon211523712536212556
2005Essendon1491857225711332
2006Essendon20823411334714256
2007Essendon22727916644518168
2008Essendon201818811930714355
2009Essendon211620716437113655
2010Fremantle23917914031995107
2011Fremantle12986611474033
2012Fremantle21223510934412436
The table above details McPhee's regular season performance, sourced from official records.

Career totals and notable performances

Over his 12-season AFL career spanning 2001 to 2012, Adam McPhee amassed 223 games and 112 goals, showcasing his versatility across multiple positions for and Essendon. His overall statistics included 3,505 disposals (averaging 15.7 per game), 2,194 kicks, 1,311 handballs, and 1,304 marks.
ClubGamesGoalsDisposalsKicksHandballsMarks
81291,099687412366
Essendon142832,4061,507899938
Total2231123,5052,1941,3111,304
In finals series, McPhee featured in 7 games (3 wins, 4 losses), contributing 6 goals, 113 disposals, and 47 marks, with appearances across both clubs in 2003, 2004, 2009, and 2010. Key standout performances highlighted his impact: a career-best 30 disposals (23 kicks, 14 marks) in Essendon's 2007 win over , demonstrating his rebounding prowess from half-back. He achieved four-goal hauls twice, including four straight against West Coast in round 3 of 2003, a rare feat for a . In tagging roles, McPhee excelled in shutdowns, such as restricting St Kilda's Lenny Hayes in 2010 and holding Hawthorn's to just 13 disposals in Fremantle's 2010 elimination final victory.

References

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