VETERAN Demon Tom McDonald has kicked off season 13 in the red and blue with a pep in his step after a Lisfranc injury derailed his 2022 campaign.

McDonald has been fully integrated into main training with his eyes set on starting the season in the senior side after missing the final 14 games of last year’s campaign, and falling short in his bid to play finals football.

 

“I’m doing everything now,” he says.

“It’s just a balance of how much work you can do in a week without pushing it a little bit too far over the edge, but still push each week to do a little bit more.

“I’m doing all the sessions, it’s just managing day-to-day soreness and how much stuff I can do in the gym.”

A host of fellow forwards have caught McDonald’s eye after returning to the club in exemplary condition and strong form.

“Jacob’s [van Rooyen] been amazing… he’s been the real standout for me,” McDonald says.

“Bill [Bailey] Laurie has been doing an awesome job. I know he’s not a first-year player, but he’s made a real leap.

“Taj Woewodin has come forward in little bits and pieces here and there and has been really impressive.”

The 202-game-Demon McDonald has also been impressed by fellow season campaigner Jake Melksham, who is entering his seventh season in the red and blue.

“Melky has looked really good,” he says.

“This time last year Melky was having a great pre-season and was ready to start the season then he got a little unlucky.

“He got COVID just before we started and then he did a hamstring when he was at home doing his own running as he was coming back and that set him back a bit.

“All the usual guys are always good, Petracca and those sort of boys but Melky’s probably the senior guy that’s stood out to me.”