Key defender Oscar McDonald is ready to embrace the challenge of a move interstate to reignite his AFL career with Fremantle.
Recruited from VFL Club Williamstown, McDonald has joined Fremantle after signing a two-year deal on day one of the AFL delisted free agency period.
The 27-year-old played 86 AFL games with Melbourne and Carlton (2015 to 2022) before being delisted by the Blues at the end of season 2022.
“It’s really exciting, I’ve always wanted to get back into the AFL system,” McDonald said.
“I had a really enjoyable time at Williamstown, but my main goal was to get back into the AFL and to have an opportunity to do that via the Fremantle Footy Club – it’s a great honour and I’m really privileged.”
At 196cm and 100kg, McDonald will provide depth in the key back department following veteran Joel Hamling’s move to Sydney as a delisted free agent.
McDonald says he can’t wait to get to work with established Fremantle defenders Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox.
“Obviously they (Fremantle) have got a world of talent already in the team,” said McDonald.
“Hopefully I can add a small part to that. Watching those guys go to work – even Luke Ryan back there as well. It’ll be great once I meet them and get to know them and how they work together as a team going forward.
“I like to play in a good system where it’s not just one v one. You work together as a back six and as a full 18.
“I’ve obviously been a defender most of my career so I’m very defensive focused. I like to win my one on one battles and help my teammates where I can.”
After 81 games with Melbourne, McDonald played just five in two seasons with Carlton after battling a back injury.
He joins Fremantle after an outstanding season with Williamstown where he played 20 games and was named at full-back in the 2023 VFL team of the year.
“I had a stress fracture in my lower back which went on for a year, a year and a half (at Carlton),” recalls McDonald.
“I had pretty invasive surgery to fix that up – and that combined with some different training methods - I was able to get back on the park and play those 20 games.”
Currently on holidays with his partner in Fiji, McDonald will commence pre-season training with Fremantle at the end of the month.
“I actually came over (to Perth) a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it,” said McDonald.
“Getting to reconnect with a couple of players like Luke Jackson and Corey Wagner that I’ve had a bit to do with at Melbourne.
“The weather, the beaches and the lifestyle really appeal to me outside of football.”
