McDonald, who has played 16 of his 18 matches this year, had hoped to play “eight to 12 games this year”.
“To play all but two is exciting. I got an opportunity when there was an injury, and I haven’t looked back,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“I’m thankful of the chance, but I feel as though I worked pretty hard over the pre-season to deserve that. And I’ve been able to string some games together, which is very exciting.”
McDonald was one of Melbourne’s best against Gold Coast Suns at the MCG last Sunday.
But despite claiming 23 disposals, five marks and five tackles, the 19 year-old wasn’t entirely pleased with his game.
“I was a bit fumbly, especially later in the game. I’m not sure why,” he said.
“I thought defensively, I pulled out a few times on the lead and it’s frustrating when the ball doesn’t want to stick in your hands.”
Still, McDonald was delighted to play in just his fourth win - and second against Gold Coast - even if he acknowledged the performance wasn’t flawless.
“It was probably wasn’t our best game in terms of our overall performance,” he said.
“It was good to get a win, but there are still places we can improve. There were some things we did well, so there were some good and bad things.
“It was good to get a win and give a bit of excitement for the supporters.”
McDonald said Melbourne’s start was a clear focus entering the match.
“We were able to do what other teams have done to us at times this year,” he said.
“Our quarter time lead was just about the winning margin in the end, so it set us up.”
McDonald has missed just two matches in his second AFL season. He wasn’t selected for the opening round, and missed round 15 with a lung injury.
But he said it ended up being a “blessing in disguise”.
“Although it was disappointing to miss that game, I was able to have a bit of a rest and I feel quite good now,” he said.
“I’ve had sore ribs or chest before, so I was actually a bit surprised that I was able to play. I thought I’d miss two or three [weeks], but the doctors said that if I was confident enough to play I could.
“I went out and played, and played all right, and then it was no problem at all - I was just excited to be out there playing again.
“It has been a long year, even if I feel better this year after a good pre-season. But it does get tough towards the end, especially for the younger boys.”
With Melbourne taking on St Kilda at the MCG this round, McDonald could again stand superstar Nick Riewoldt.
After doing a fine job on the Saints skipper, McDonald believes James Frawley could gain the job this time around, given he was out injured last time around.
“I’m looking forward to playing them again, although I’m not certain I’ll get Riewoldt again. [James] Frawley will be back this time, but it’ll be great to get another chance,” he said.
“Last time we went down by three goals and they’re in really good form at the moment - they gave their all and pushed Collingwood on the weekend.
“We’re travelling all right and I’m not sure of the match ups yet - we’ll find out later in the week.”
The defender has been one of the bright spots from Melbourne’s trying season. But McDonald is determined to finish the year off strongly and keep the momentum rolling into the pre-season.
“Obviously we can’t make finals, and this year has been disappointing overall,” he said.
“But the more momentum we can build now, the more we can take into the pre-season. It’s very important - and Neeldy has said it a lot - that we don’t just lay down in the last few games.
“We’ve got to push and prove and strive to get better for 2013 - that’s what we’re working on.”
