McFarlane made his debut for Eastern Suburbs in Round12 of the 1979 season against Balmain. The following year, McFarlane was a member of the Easts side which reached the 1980NSWRLgrand final against Canterbury. He was denied a try in the first half of the match as Canterbury won their first premiership in 38 years, 18–4. The following season, McFarlane was a member of the Easts side which made the preliminary final, but lost 15-5 to Newtown. McFarlane played a further two seasons before retiring at the end of 1983.