The son of former North Melbourne key-position player Donald McDonald, North took Luke McDonald as a father/son selection with the eighth pick at the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.

It prove an inspired selection, as McDonald went on to play 23 games in his debut campaign for the club, cementing himself as a mainstay on the half back flank during the side’s run to the preliminary final, and finishing third in the NAB Rising Star.

His 2015 was impacted by injury, as he showed courage and grit to play through stress reactions in his back and register 14 appearances in his second season.

Starting his career in the number 21 jumper, he welcomed the chance to wear the iconic number 11 upon the retirement of Michael ‘Spud’ Firrito, continuing the tradition of the number being worn by those who best represent the values of the club, following the likes of Glenn Archer.

A quiet achiever, McDonald is capable of playing a number of roles across the defensive and midfield lines, often playing a tagging role when called upon in the midfield, or pushing up onto the wing to provide both attacking and defensive run.

While the Kangaroos’ 2020 campaign was one to forget, the individual season McDonald put together is worth remembering, as the number 11 swept the club awards for his contributions both on and off the field.

A true North man, the passion he holds for the club he grew up supporting is evident whenever he pulls on the royal blue and white, and he’s certainly a spiritual leader for the current group of players.

North Melbourne debut: Round 1, 2014
Career Brownlow votes: 2

2021: After being promoted to the position of co-vice-captain ahead of the 2021 season, a pre-season quad injury saw McDonald make his first appearance of the year in Round 4 against Adelaide.

His return to the side didn’t last long, however, as he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the first quarter of the clash, leaving him on the sidelines until Round 14.

During his recovery, McDonald strapped his arm across his chest, rendering it immobile so as not to work the muscle as he ran, allowing him to maintain much of his aerobic fitness in the early stages of his recovery.

Once he made his return, he was mostly utilised on the wing rather than his traditional half back flank position, with David Noble utilising his vice-captain’s work-rate and defensive nous to allow him to not only work the ball forward, but to supplement the backline when needed.

After an injury-interrupted campaign, the promise McDonald showed in his new position is exciting. As he enters what should be the prime of his career, he is certainly one of the next group of North leaders coming through the side.