McPHEE, Adam

Adam McPhee was drafted by Fremantle at pick 39 in the 2000 National Draft. He was nominated for the Rising Star Award in his first season at Fremantle. He played 25 games at Freo over two seasons but was dogged by injury.

At the end of 2002 McPhee was part of a complicated three way deal that saw him arrive at Essendon, while Blake Caracella went to Brisbane and Des Headland to Fremantle.

He made his debut for Essendon in Round 1, 2003, against the Brisbane Lions. After this it was all smooth sailing for the courageous wingman, and he played in all 24 games that year for the club and was voted the Club's Most Courageous Player in 2003.

In 2004, McPhee continued where he left off, indicating a bright future. Throughout his 21 games his form and consistency were rewarded with a Best and Fairest award (322 votes). He was also voted the Most Improved Player and also won the cheer squad award. To top off his year, McPhee was named in the All-Australian team on the half-back flank, and he represented Australia in the International Rules v Ireland.

In 2005 McPhee managed to star across the half-back line where his strong marking and run out of defence. He underwent a groin tendon release operation towards the end of the season, after pain in his abdomen caused problems at the end of Round 14. He was nine times in 14 games voted among the team’s best.

Though McPhee missed only two games in 2006 he seemed hampered at times, but his 2007 season saw a marked improvement and a return to form. He played every game in 2007 and was fifth in the Club's Best and Fairest. He took more marks (180) than any other Essendon player and was a fine contributor, mainly in defence.

McPhee had a solid year in 2008 playing 20 games and 21 games in 2009, including his 150th in the exciting Anzac Day clash with Collingwood.

On November 18 2009, after lengthy contract negotiations, McPhee surprised many when he announced he was leaving Windy Hill and would nominate for the Pre-season Draft in the hope of being picked up by his former club Fremantle. That did eventuate and he played a further 56 games for his old club before retiring at the end of the 2012 season and returning to Melbourne for family reasons.

McPhee later played with Greenvale Football Club for three years and later St Mary's in the Geelong Football League.