Debuting in the first of the three-peats but a part of the 2003 last Brisbane flag, the 214-game running forward is no token recruit when he arrived on the doors of the George Town club on Friday.

His stay will be short, but the Saints’ one-game guest is adamant about leaving a lasting impression on the NTFA division-one battlers.

“I’ve heard they’ve got a very young squad,” McGrath said, “So, I just want to come through and pass on some of my experiences to give them a hand for their season.”

McGrath rode the early highs of the game, but was forced to land hard as the Lions’ dynasty crashed.

The 33-year-old would have a greater appreciation what it took to get to the top.

“I just want to say you don’t have to be the best player, but it’s how you work and your body language across the ground,” he said.

“If I can show the boys what sort of workrate to be a good footballer they need in this competition, it’s something they can take away.” 

McGrath, who retired from the AFL arena in 2014, was to only meet teammates over Saturday breakfast before facing South Launceston. 

“Having an ex-AFL player play with us is something they’ll remember and hopefully they’ll stand a little bit taller with confidence to learn something,” Saints coach Allan O’Sign said.

“I know Ash will bring a lot of experience, just by his voice, and hopefully his on ground presence as well.”

The round-four NTFA standalone encounter had been brought forward at George Town’s request.

McGrath returned home to Western Australia in 2015 to play for Mundijong Centrals in the Peel Football League.