Oscar McDonald is eager to return to the AFL system via this year’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
The 27-year-old former Melbourne and Carlton defender has been flourishing in the VFL with Williamstown this season and is hoping his impressive form leads to a third AFL club opening their arms to him.
McDonald was delisted by the Blues last year after undergoing back surgery during the 2022 season, but has recovered well and is back playing good footy.
SEN’s Sam Edmund is forecasting that the likes of Sydney and Essendon, as well as Port Adelaide, could be looking closely at McDonald given their need for a key defender.
“Oscar McDonald’s form continues to encourage AFL clubs looking for mid-season draft reinforcements,” Edmund said on SEN Breakfast.
“He’s playing at Williamstown this year and is averaging around 17 touches and eight marks a game as a key defender. Nearly half of those eight marks a game coming of the intercept variety.
“He’s 27 years of age, he played two games for the Blues last year before he had a serious back operation in June and was then delisted.
“But his body now is great. It is said to be a nine to 12-month recovery time for an operation of that nature.
“He’s desperate to get back into the AFL system. He’ll obviously play anywhere in the country and anywhere on the ground but is excelling down back for the Seagulls.
“This is what the mid-season draft is all about.
“I would think Sydney, who have been hit hard by injuries to the McCartin brothers (Tom and Paddy), Dane Rampe and Sam Reid, would be enquiring.
“Also Essendon, given their issues in that part of the ground, would be enquiring as well.
“Port Adelaide potentially are always looking for key back support.”
McDonald played 86 AFL games (81 with the Demons, 5 with the Blues) between 2015 and 2022.
Edmund says five clubs - Essendon, Geelong, Fremantle, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs - have left list spots open ahead of the mid-season draft while at least five more - including GWS, Port Adelaide, Richmond, Sydney and West Coast - could open a spot prior to the draft on May 31.