He was selected by Collingwood in the 3rd round of the 2001 AFL National Draft. At age of 17, McGough caught spectators' eyes when he was awarded the ANZAC Day Medal for being the best on ground in the annual ANZAC Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon in 2002 in just his second game of senior football. Despite being regarded as a wet-track specialist, his lack of pace prevented him from being a regular team member for the Magpies. After playing only 37 matches in three years with the Magpies, McGough was delisted by the club at the end of the 2004 season.

McGough is picked by the Saints in the 3rd round of the 2004 AFL Draft, but still earned limited playing time as he only played 9 matches in the 2005 season.

In 2008 McGough has lined up alongside his brother for Montmorency in Victoria's Northern Football League.