Recruited locally, McDonald started out in the Essendon seconds and was a member of their premiership team in 1950.
He made 12 senior appearances in the 1951 VFL season and during the finals series was Essendon's full-forward, as John Coleman was out suspended.
He wasn't picked in the semi-final but had forced his way back into the side for the preliminary final after kicking five goals in the seconds.
[2] In the 1951 Grand Final, the absence of Coleman was costly, as McDonald could only manage two goals, in an 11-point loss.
[3] McDonald played just one more game for Essendon, in the opening round of the 1952 season.