If you ask any North fan who the Kangaroos’ most improved player is, there’s a strong chance they’ll name Luke McDonald. 

McDonald has been a revelation in a number of roles, and is a sure contender for the Syd Barker Medal.

The number 11 began the season in a tagging role, successfully shutting down the likes of Toby Greene, Marcus Bontempelli, and Dylan Shiel, but he’s gone to another level in recent weeks as a rebounding defender. 

Since Round 9, in which he notched up a career-high 35 disposals, McDonald has averaged 28 disposals, 6.8 marks and 8.2 rebound 50s.

And while his disposal efficiency has been criticised in recent years, the 25-year-old has turned things around dramatically.

His 121 effective kicks places him eighth overall in the AFL, while his 77.1% kicking efficiency is higher than the likes of Sam Docherty, Jake Lloyd, Brayden Maynard and Adam Saad. 

If McDonald can continue his outstanding form he will stake a claim as one of the best rebounding defenders in the AFL, if he isn’t already.