McBreen held talks with A-League team Adelaide United before being handed a trial with their divisional rivals Wellington Phoenix. He returned to former club York City on 25 June 2008 on a one-year contract. His first match back at the club was a 1–0 away victory over Crawley Town and in his third appearance he scored his first goal of the 2008–09 season with a left-footed shot from 17 yards in a 1–1 home draw with Histon. McBreen was played primarily as a lone striker in away matches during 2008–09, a decision which York manager Colin Walker defended in September; Dave Flett of "The Press" commented that he " the line lazily". During February 2009, it was reported in the Australian media that he had agreed join A-League newcomers North Queensland Fury, although York were unaware of any transfer taking place. It was later confirmed that he would join the Fury in August for the 2009–10 A-League, following the expiry of his York contract in June. He had scored in every round of the 2008–09 FA Trophy leading up to the final, bar the first round when he was an unused substitute, and ahead of the final commented that: "I couldn't ask for anything more than a Wembley final to end my career in Europe and it's also a great finale to a disappointing season for the fans and players". He started in the match at Wembley Stadium on 9 May, which York lost 2–0 to Stevenage Borough. He made 48 appearances and scored 10 goals with York finishing in 17th place in the 2008–09 Conference Premier table.