Tom McDonald and Jesse Hogan to give opposition defences double the trouble

MELBOURNE could possess one of the league’s most dangerous forward lines next season with Tom McDonald set to playing alongside Jesse Hogan in attack.

The Demons plan to play Tom McDonald as a permanent forward. Picture: Getty Images

MELBOURNE’S plan to play Tom McDonald as a permanent forward next year could result in one of the league’s most dangerous forward lines.

The Demons believe the recruitment of Jake Lever gives them the chance to release McDonald to play alongside spearhead Jesse Hogan.

McDonald was played forward after injuries to Hogan and Jack Watts last season and kicked 23 goals.

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The hope is that Hogan and McDonald can combine seamlessly in a forward line that includes crumbers Jeff Garlett and Christian Petracca.

The 25-year-old defender starred against West Coast with five goals.

Hogan’s year from hell saw him endure the death of his father, testicular cancer and a broken collarbone, kicking 20 goals in 10 games.

Melbourne chief executive Peter Jackson said this week the plan was to release McDonald forward.

Tom McDonald marks over Carlton’s Ciaran Sheehan. Picture: Getty Images

It would mean Oscar McDonald or Sam Frost stood up at full-back to allow Lever to play as the intercepting tall.

“Our recruiting team have been on Jake’s case for a while now. They would have drafted him if they had been able to get to him in time,’’ Jackson said.

“We think it’s going to let Tommy go forward, so it will strengthen both areas of the ground.”

Champion Data statistics showed McDonald played more than 40 per cent forward in 10 games this year. He averaged 16 possessions, 1.9 goals and 5.7 score involvements.

When he played back, Melbourne averaged 97 points but 86 when he played forward, giving coach Simon Goodwin food for thought.

The Demons have just signed Max Gawn on a deal until 2021 that has seen him give up his free agency rights next year.

But Jackson believes the Demons will create a player culture and platform of success that will see them retain their stars.

Melbourne had salary cap room to retain Jack Watts next year which will give them a headstart in securing McDonald and a list of uncontracted stars.

“They will all be priorities at the end of the day but our long term list strategy says we can make it work and the other important thing is building a strong team that stays together,’’ Jackson said.

“Hawthorn, Geelong and Sydney have proven that. These guys stay together for success. So we want them to grow up together, to have a great environment, and they will stay at the footy club and get out of it what they will.”