TOM McDonald’s ability to return to the AFL without a playing any football for more than two months was an outstanding achievement, says assistant coach Craig Jennings.

McDonald played his first home and away match of the season in Melbourne’s 36-point win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium last Sunday – his first game of any sorts since the red and blue’s JLT Community Series win over the Kangaroos in Hobart on February 24.

Jennings, the club’s game analyst and education coordinator, said McDonald’s effort to play multiple roles, win 16 disposals and kick two goals were a fine return.

“Tommy McDonald was a really good reflection of our rehab program, because it’s pretty rare that a player comes straight back in off a long break like that and has such an impact,” he said.

“He was important on the wing and important up forward – he gives us a lot of flexibility. He provided a really combination and target with ‘Hoges’ (Jesse Hogan) up forward.

“You can drive the ball forward with a lot of confidence, when Tommy McDonald is forward. He’s equally important on the wing, because he’s such a good runner, as he’s got a good defensive and offensive mindset. He’s a big tick.”

Jennings also praised Jake Melksham’s “past month” in attack and said the return of Bayley Fritsch and Mitch Hannan, who booted three goals each against the Dons, were a strong reflection of the connection with the Casey Demons.  

“It was a really good reflection of what Jade’s (Rawlings) been able to do at Casey – Hannan has gone to Casey and worked on his game. He’s come back and had a massive impact. Some of his tackles were real team-lifters,” he said.

“Fritsch is just a young kid who had a rest last week and he’s come in fresh and had a really good impact.

“It was good for those boys to play together and get some synergy.”

Jennings said the work from young Demons Angus Brayshaw, Oscar McDonald and Jake Lever were another highlight from the win.  

“I thought some of Angus’ work in the midfield with Jonesy (Nathan Jones) was outstanding,” he said.

“They gave great supply to our forwards, so it’s really pleasing that you’ve got a senior guy like Jonesy, leading from the front. And a guy like Angus, who is starting to string some games together.

“The form of Oscar McDonald has been well noted. I think it helps him being surrounded by experienced players like Nev Jetta and Michael Hibberd, and Jake Lever is starting to gel with the rest of those defenders as well.

“It’s pretty good signs right across the board.”

Jennings said he was pleased Melbourne’s form, which started to return against the Tigers on Anzac Day Eve, after a disappointing loss to Hawthorn at the MCG in round four.

“Our form dipped, but it really started coming back against Richmond – we were much better at the contest for three quarters,” he said.

“You have to acknowledge that both teams (Melbourne and Essendon) were coming off short breaks. But it was really pleasing that we piled on 12 goals to five in the second half and we were really efficient with the footy, and then we banked the four points, so it’s always good to get the win.

“We want to keep building on what we did in that game, this week.”

But Jennings said this season was “a tough, tight season” with every team capable of beating everyone.

“It’s pretty hard to predict results and we’ve got to go in with that same mindset of bringing our style of footy,” he said.

“It’s really clear what our style of footy is and it’s clear what Goody’s (Simon Goodwin) is training the boys to be. They’ve got to bring that intensity and put that on show every week.”