Is it time for Tom McDonald to seek a fresh start?
The Melbourne utility has managed six AFL games in 2023, finding himself injured and in the VFL on other occasions.
He’s out for the next six weeks with an ankle injury and will likely be outside Melbourne’s best 22 upon return.
Therefore, Kane Cornes believes there’s an option for clubs to get McDonald on the cheap.
“Could he be gettable for a club like… Port Adelaide?” Cornes questioned on SEN’s Sportsday.
“Not as a forward, as a defender. He used to play as a defender and he was a very good key defender.”
For all their plaudits this year, the Power’s defence hasn’t been an asset. Despite sitting on top of the ladder, Port has conceded more points than clubs like Richmond and Carlton in 2023.
Captain Tom Jonas has spent time in the SANFL over the last few weeks, leaving Trent McKenzie and Aliir Aliir as the club’s primary key backs.
McDonald spent the first six years of his career down back and Cornes believes Port Adelaide should pitch to McDonald the idea of returning to his roots.
“He’s 30 years of age… He could play easily until he’s 33 and for a Port Adelaide team who is actually in a (premiership) window, to go and get him not as a forward but as a defender (could work),” the club great continued.
“He’s got speed, can play on some big players and hasn’t been used down back for a long time.
“And you could get him for not much!
“I don’t mind that idea … Tom McDonald to Port Adelaide, see if you can get him on the cheap.
“He might solve a few issues.”
McDonald is contracted for 2024 but will become an unrestricted free agent at that time.