LAST year McDonald had a decision to make. He was eligible for the Greater Western Sydney mini-draft and clubs were interested in recruiting him, but he was also able to join North Melbourne as a father-son selection, where his dad Donald played 155 games and was the club's football manager. For McDonald, it was an easy choice: he had always wanted to wear the blue and white stripes, and wanted to be a North Melbourne player. So after a standout showing at the 2012 national carnival as a lock-down defender (he was named an All Australian), and then as a midfielder for the Oakleigh Chargers, he agreed to join the Roos.
In 2013, he played 15 games for the club's VFL affiliate Werribee and his standout finals series confirmed his standing as one of the best five or six players of this year's draft pool. At the father-son bidding meeting last month, West Coast bid its first pick (No.6 overall) on McDonald. The Roos matched that offer, and will read out his name at pick eight next Thursday night.
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STRENGTHS
McDonald's attitude defines him as much as anything else. He's a competitor in everything he does: he likes stopping opponents as a defender, and he just as much enjoys running off them, taking a few bounces and skipping up the ground. He has some breakaway speed, good aerobic ability, and he's trusted with the ball. This year was a good learning experience for him. Having starred in his VFL debut with 27 disposals, he went through a quiet patch but hit form at the back-end of the year in the finals, when he averaged 25 disposals across Werribee's three games. He's a good size to play in a few roles, is a nice mark, and plays well when it matters. He's also a leader – he captained Vic Metro at this year's under-18 championships and has a warm, outgoing personality.
WEAKNESSES
As much as his kicking is a strength, McDonald does love to bomb it long, and he has been working at lowering his eyes sometimes and going for the shorter chip pass. It's a very minor thing because he's a very even, good all-round player.
STRENGTHS
McDonald's attitude defines him as much as anything else. He's a competitor in everything he does: he likes stopping opponents as a defender, and he just as much enjoys running off them, taking a few bounces and skipping up the ground. He has some breakaway speed, good aerobic ability, and he's trusted with the ball. This year was a good learning experience for him. Having starred in his VFL debut with 27 disposals, he went through a quiet patch but hit form at the back-end of the year in the finals, when he averaged 25 disposals across Werribee's three games. He's a good size to play in a few roles, is a nice mark, and plays well when it matters. He's also a leader – he captained Vic Metro at this year's under-18 championships and has a warm, outgoing personality.
WEAKNESSES
As much as his kicking is a strength, McDonald does love to bomb it long, and he has been working at lowering his eyes sometimes and going for the shorter chip pass. It's a very minor thing because he's a very even, good all-round player.
PLAYS LIKE
McDonald could, in time, end up playing a role similar to that Shaun Burgoyne holds down at Hawthorn. He can start across half-back, offer a calming influence, and move into the midfield and up the ground at will.
Pick No.8. He's locked in for the Kangaroos.
BOTTOM LINE
After his grounding and experience in the VFL, expect McDonald to see a bit of AFL action next year. Also expect North fans to love him: he's a lively, enthusiastic character determined to do well.
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