The two teenagers, who have signed one-year senior contracts with the reigning A-League champions, were both involved in Adelaide's clash with Redlands United in the FFA Cup.

McGree, 17, started the Round of 32 game and O’Doherty, 18, came on as a second-half substitute. 

Despite the Reds' shock loss, coach Guillermo Amor said the duo impressed and deserved their chance in the topflight. 

“Both players are good technically and can play some very good football,” Amor said. 

“Now they must keep improving and work even harder to make this next step into our first-team.” 



McGree said: “I’ve been with the club for three years now and this is what I’ve always wanted.

"It’s a great step moving forward and the environment within the club is great. 

“The coaches are top class and I think I know the style and how the team plays well.

“The development that I’ve gone through throughout the years with the Club’s NYL (National Youth League) and NPL squads has really prepared me for this next step with the first-team. 

“It’s always a dream to make a starting debut for your hometown team and it was a great experience for me.

“Now I hope to get some game time and I hope to develop myself more as a player and do what I can for the team as well.”


O’Doherty said he’s realised a dream by joining the Reds’ senior squad. 

“This means everything to me and every boy’s dream is to play for their hometown club,” O’Doherty said.

“I’ve grown up watching Adelaide United and it’s dream come true to sign for them. 

“I played one season with the Club before moving to Melbourne to play and then I came back to play in the NPL with United. 

“I’ve played against men for the past four years and that’s definitely helped me progress, being the second-highest level of football in Australia. 

“To get my debut a couple of weeks ago in the FFA Cup was fantastic and meant a lot to get a few minutes off the bench.

“Now I have to get used to the intensity with the first-team and work hard on trying to improve my game.”

(Photo by Adelaide United)