Career
McCabe was a small defender who usually played in the back pockets. He was recruited by Hawthorn at pick 15 in the 1993 National Draft but took awhile to establish himself in the team, playing over 20 games in a season for the first time in 1998. He is remembered for his participation in one of the "memorable moments" between Hawthorn and Melbourne when, in round 1, 2002, he was on the receiving end of a mighty hip and shoulder from David Neitz on his way to snap an inspirational goal.
McCabe returned to Central District for the 2005 SANFL season and was an integral part of the Bulldogs winning their third consecutive premiership.
He retired from senior football following the end of the 2005 season due to work commitments. However, McCabe returned to Central District for the 2008 season.