McCrabbe returned to the Dublin panel in 2009, just as new manager Anthony Daly took charge. After a good showing in the National Hurling League, Dublin got off to a great start in the championship wins over Antrim and old rivals Wexford. A Leinster final date with Kilkenny was the reward for these wins. While many predicted a rout, 'the Dubs' gave 'the Cats' something of a scare. McCrabbe finished the game as Dublin's top scorer after notching up twelve points. A 2-18 to 0-18 score line resulted in a defeat for Dublin. In spite of this defeat Dublin still had a chance of making the All-Ireland final. For the first time since 1961 a Dublin team entered the All-Ireland series of games with a quarter-final meeting with Limerick. A superb display by Gavin O'Mahony inspired Limerick to a 2-18 to 1-17 victory. McCrabbe was later named at midfield on the All-Star team. It was Dublin's first hurling All-Star award since Brian McMahon in 1990.