TOM McDonald admits he was almost certain his AFL career would end in 2025, but the veteran Demon says the lure of one more season in the red and blue was simply too strong to ignore.

“I honestly was 95 per cent sure that I wasn’t going to play on next year,” McDonald said.
“But it was just too good of an opportunity to be part of the group again, to hopefully play well, but more than anything to be around a really good bunch of guys. That’s what swayed me in the end.”

The 32-year-old re-signed last week for a 16th AFL season, extending a decorated career that began with his debut in 2011. While his role has shifted between attack and defence, McDonald says his love for football - and the people around him - has never wavered.

“I still enjoy footy, I still love training,” he said. “As soon as you find training a chore, it’s probably time to give it away. That’s not the case for me. While there are physical challenges as you get older, I still find enjoyment in the preparation and the push to get better.”

The veteran spoke on how his approach to training has evolved.

“Earlier in my career, you’d take three or four weeks off after the season and really rest. Now it’s about maintaining some training so that when pre-season starts it’s not such a big ramp up,” he said.

“I’ll still go for a run or do some weights in the off period. It’s the best way to be prepared at this stage of my career.”
McDonald also highlighted the strong group of emerging defenders at the club and his pride in helping them grow.

“I love the younger group, especially the defenders like Blake Howes, Jed Adams, Daniel Turner - I think I’ve got a really good relationship with them,” he said.

“Part of my role now is teaching them, challenging them, and striving for them to get better. It’s really enjoyable being able to work with those younger boys as well as the more senior guys. That’s what makes a footy club fun.”