TOM McDonald says he arrived at Etihad Stadium on Sunday morning with a few nerves, as he prepares for his first match of the season, having been sidelined with a foot injury.

McDonald said it was good to have an early game, as he didn't have to wait around for much of the day before lining-up against Essendon.

“I’ve done it (played) a fair few times, but a lot more than around [round] six,” he told Melbourne Media as he arrived at the ground.

“It is the first game of the season for me, but it even feels a bit more new than that, because it’s been such a long time for me to not be playing.”

McDonald said there was a little bit more pressure coming straight back into the AFL after a long layoff.

“Compared to playing a half or a bit in the VFL, you’re maybe thinking ‘are you going to physically get through?’” he said.

“But I’m back in ready to perform today, which I’m confident I can do.

“The team’s had a fair bit of pressure, in terms of how we need to perform today, to keep our season on track, so there is a lot going into it.”

So, will the defender-turned-forward definitely play in attack against the Dons?

“I’ll be spending a bit of time up forward, and maybe around the ground a bit as well,” he said.