Dockers target ex Dees, Blues tall as defensive cover

As a delisted free agent, Fremantle has its sights set on a former defender for the Blues and Demons.

Oscar McDonald, a delisted free agent who played vital defense for both Carlton and Melbourne, is expected to be targeted by FREMANTLE.

Given that they have been searching for defensive reinforcements lately, it is believed that the Dockers have been keeping an eye on McDonald prior to the start of the delisted free agency period on November 1.

McDonald is thought to have had a medical check with the club’s doctors and met with Fremantle management in Western Australia last week.

McDonald has participated in 86 AFL games—81 with Melbourne and five with Carlton—but he was released from the Blues’ roster at the conclusion of 2022 because to a complex back ailment, leaving him without a place to call home.

But this season, the 27-year-old made a comeback to football with Williamstown, where he was rewarded with a berth at full-back in the VFL Team of the Year after regaining his form and fitness.

McDonald, the brother of Melbourne champion forward Tom, finished the season with an average of 16.8 disposals and 8.1 marks per game while playing for Williamstown in the VFL.

The Dockers lost Joel Hamling to Sydney as an unrestricted free agent earlier this month, despite offering the former 2016 premiership winner a contract extension, and have since been searching for a replacement.

Small forward Lachie Schultz and wingman Liam Henry also departed the club during the most recent Trade Period. However, the Dockers recouped multiple future first-round picks belonging to Collingwood and Port Adelaide throughout the player movement window.

Former Sydney key defender Toby Pink is so far the only delisted free agent to be nabbed this year, having been signed by North Melbourne following four successful seasons at SANFL side Glenelg.

As revealed by AFL.com.au earlier this week, Richmond is also scouring the delisted free agency market for additional ruck depth and have identified former 30-game Sydney big man Sam Naismith as a potential option after he enjoyed a terrific VFL campaign with Port Melbourne.

Port Adelaide ruckman Scott Lycett is also weighing his options as he nears the end of his contract, with Richmond, St Kilda and Collingwood among the potential suitors for the 146-game veteran.