Former Greater Western Victoria Rebel and Edenhope-Apsley export Oscar McDonald has won the battle for Carlton's final list spot ahead of the 2021 AFL season.
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After an impressive showing in Carlton's pre-season game, McDonald has been rewarded with the final rookie spot.
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The 24-year-old was stationed in the forward line and rotated through the ruck, booting two first-half majors against St Kilda on Thursday night.
A number of Carlton's talls are injured including Charlie Curnow (knee), Harry McKay (ankle), Mitch McGovern (hamstring) and Levi Casboult (knee).
McDonald will be another marking option up forward for the Blues in 2021.
He was signed under a pre-season supplemental selection period which has given the former St Patrick's College student a second chance to play at the highest level.
He comes to the Blues after 81 senior games across six seasons with Melbourne after being selected with pick 53 in the 2014 national draft.
Carlton list manager Nick Austin told Carlton Media McDonald has been a great fit this pre-season.
"Oscar has fit in really well with our backline group over the pre-season and we look forward to seeing him continue to strengthen those connections as the year evolves," he said.
"As we also saw on Thursday night, Oscar is also able to play other roles across the ground which gives us some flexibility across the board."
"It is never an easy situation for a train-on player, however from the moment Oscar walked into the football club late last year he has done everything possible to earn a spot on the list."
"He already has six years of experience at the elite level, has a great work ethic and above all is a great person who will be a welcome addition to the playing group."
Carlton has been successful in transitioning players to opposite ends of the grounds in the past with Liam Jones an example, moving from a forward to a key back.
McDonald and the Blues kick of their 2021 AFL season Thursday March 18 at the MCG against Richmond in the traditional round one opening clash.
The first-bounce is scheduled for 7:25pm.
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