Let's take a look at Tom McDonald's 2021...
No. AFL games: 23
Top statistics:
Disposals - 14 avg. (322 total)
Contested possessions - 6.2 avg. (143 total)
Score involvements - 5.7 avg (132 total)
Goals - 33 total
Season Overview:
After a dip in form towards the back end of last year, McDonald put in the hard work during pre-season and regained a consistent spot in the Demons' line-up at the beginning of 2021.
McDonald played 23 games throughout the season, missing just two due to a minor back issue. His ability to slot into the forward line structure and work effectively with his fellow goal-kicking teammates was crucial to the Demons' success this year. He booted 33 goals during the season, a major improvement upon last year, where he managed just seven goals over nine appearances. This goal-tally is also his second highest throughout his eleven-year career. One of the 29-year-old's best performances came in Melbourne's Round 8 win over Sydney. McDonald registered four goals, 18 disposals and seven score involvements, a display that earned him two votes in the Brownlow Medal vote count.
In his eleventh season for the Demons, McDonald finally achieved the ultimate success alongside his Melbourne teammates, winning a drought-breaking premiership. And while the year finished on a high for the club, McDonald was also able to enjoy an individual achievement, with his hard work rewarded via a contract extension, meaning he will remain a Demon until at least the end of 2024.
