Bombers vice-captain Andrew McGrath, fiance Emma Laughlin set to handball Albert Park house
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Essendon vice-captain Andrew McGrath and fiance Emma Laughlin have listed 85 Richardson St, Albert Park.
Essendon vice-captain Andrew McGrath and fiance Emma Laughlin are set to punt their Victorian-era house with $2.5m-$2.75m price hopes.
Prior to Ms Laughlin moving in, McGrath’s housemates at the three-bedroom home included fellow Bombers Jordan Ridley and Sam Durham.
McGrath joined Essendon as number one pick in the 2016 national draft, collecting an AFL Rising Star award and AFL Players Association Best First Year Player gong in 2017.
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The defender is now serving as the Bombers’ vice-captain for a third consecutive season.
At the age of 21, McGrath bought the renovated double-storey abode at 85 Richardson St as his first home.
“I didn’t know much about Albert Park, but I fell in love with the area,” he said.
Being close to Albert Park Village and the beach was a bonus for him, Durham and Ridley.
“They’re like brothers to me and we spent a lot of time enjoying the house and sharing commutes to work,” McGrath said.
“On days off, we had a lot of trips to the beach, as three athletes we spent a lot of time there in recovery and took advantage of the great cafes nearby.”
The living and dining room area has floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors that open to a rear courtyard.
The home is close to Albert Park Village, the beach, Albert Park College, the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and cafes.
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Andrew McGrath is chased by Saint Jack Higgins during a match at Marvel Stadium in 2024. Picture: Michael Klein.
McGrath is not the only AFL player to have called Albert Park home.
In December, ex-Richmond star Dustin Martin sold his first home at 43 Kerferd Rd for $1.8m, in a listing handled by Nick Johnstone Real Estate’s Rachael Cavallaro.
McGrath’s treasured memories of his own house include doing everyday tasks with Ms Laughlin and his mates, such as cooking dinner in the kitchen fitted with stone benches, Miele appliances and an integrated fridge and freezer.
Stone benchtops, Miele appliances and an integrated fridge and freezer in the kitchen.
A double-vanity bench in one of the bathrooms.
Andrew McGrath and Emma Laughlan at the 2023 Crichton Medal event. Picture: David Caird.
Relaxing in the living and dining area, warmed by a gas fireplace and full of northern light, is another favourite past time.
Floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors lead to a rear tree-lined space where McGrath added a deck.
The two ground-floor bedrooms featuring wardrobes, ornate ceilings and open fireplaces lead to a fully-tiled bathroom illuminated by a light-well courtyard.
The rooftop terrace looks out onto a green view.
One of the house’s three bedrooms.
Upstairs, the main bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with a freestanding bath.
And the rooftop terrace is a great spot to enjoy breakfast.
“My fiance and I make lots of use of that area, we get up early and enjoy looking out over the city with our dog,” McGrath said.
Their Groodle, Henry, enjoys running around Albert Park Lake and nearby beaches.
A video intercom, Euro-laundry, double glazing and airconditioning are among the home’s other highlights.
McGrath and Ms Laughlin are selling with plans to move closer to family.
Andrew McGrath at Essendon football training in January, 2025. Picture: David Crosling.
Kay & Burton’s Campbell Kilsby said the residence would suit young professionals, couples and downsizers.
“It has beautiful period features at the front and it’s old meets new inside, and it does that really seamlessly,” Mr Kilsby said.
Expressions of interest close at 5pm on April 8.
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