The Melbourne Football Club has used its first selection in Tuesday’s Pre-Season Draft to select ex Brisbane backman, Joel Macdonald.

Macdonald, originally selected with pick 70 overall in the 2002 Rookie Draft, played 80 AFL games over his seven seasons at the Brisbane Lions. The 25 year-old enjoyed his most productive season in 2009, playing in 22 games, and averaging 19 disposals off half back.

General Manager - List Management, Tim Harrington, said, “We are really happy that a player of Joel’s calibre has elected to come to the Melbourne Football Club.  He fits nicely into our List Management strategies, given his age, his 80 AFL games and the roles he can play within our playing list.  He is an experienced player, who will add another dimension to our promising group of young defenders.”

Incoming Demon Joel Macdonald said he was looking forward to joining a playing list on the rise.

“I’m thankful to the Melbourne Football Club for giving me an opportunity to continue my AFL career.  I am now looking forward to contributing to this young and developing playing list, which I believe has some exciting times ahead.”

Macdonald has been training with the Demons since mid October.