MELBOURNE has entered preliminary discussions with restricted free agent Tom McDonald on a new contract.

The Demons forward confirmed his manager Alex McDonald, from Hemisphere Management Group, and the club had begun early discussions about a new deal to keep him at Melbourne.

With McDonald qualifying as a restricted free agent, Melbourne would have the option of matching opposition offers for the key forward if they did come.

"They have (had talks) but it's still very early stages and it takes a week to email someone back so it's a slow process but they have started some sort of negotiation so it would be good to have something sorted out," McDonald told SEN.

"I also wanted to get back and play some footy and the club wanted me to see some form as a forward or playing in a new role.

"Maybe the next few weeks we'll see more action."

McDonald played his first game for the season against Essendon on Sunday after being sidelined with a lingering foot issue.

The 25-year-old spent time up forward, on the wing, in the ruck and even in defence, which highlighted his versatility, as he gathered 16 disposals, took five marks and booted two goals against the Bombers.

McDonald said he was keen to remain at Melbourne in the long-term, with the utility an important part of what the Demons are building.

"I'd love to get a contract done to stay with the Demons," McDonald said.

"But there's also the side that you may be neglecting as a player which is injury.

"If you have a contract signed and then you have an injury the week after that's a fair bit less to worry about if you don't have a contract in place.

"From a player's point of view there's also having the bird in the hand which makes a difference."

Tom's younger brother Oscar, who is also managed by Alex McDonald, also falls out of contract at the end of this season.

Oscar McDonald will also be a priority signing for Melbourne after a strong start to the season as the club's No.1 key defender.