AFL list updates: Carlton considering Oscar McDonald, Sam Lloyd retirement creates vacancy at Western Bulldogs

Ex-Melbourne defender Oscar McDonald may revive his career at Carlton, with another delisted backman also of interest to the Blues.

Sam Lloyd has retired after five seasons at Richmond and two at the Bulldogs.

Carlton is considering throwing key defender Oscar McDonald an AFL lifeline.

The delisted Demon is expected to earn an invitation to pre-season training at the Blues, where he can press his claims for a late call-up to coach David Teague’s rookie list.

McDonald played all 25 games in his breakout 2018 campaign, before falling rapidly out of favour over the past 18 months.

The Ballarat boy played 81 games in six years at Melbourne and would provide further reinforcement for the Blues’ back six.

Carlton is still working through its pre-season training invitations and will settle on a list of names by the end of the week.

While McDonald, 24, has not yet officially received his letter, he is likely to make the cut.

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Former Demon Oscar McDonald may still get a career lifeline at Carlton. Picture: AAP Image/Daniel Pockett

Collingwood discard Matthew Scharenberg, 25, is another defender hoping to earn a second chance and could also hold appeal for the Blues.

Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams described Scharenberg as the best schoolboy footballer he had seen since Wayne Carey, and Scharenberg was drafted at No. 6 in 2013.

But Scharenberg managed just 41 games at the Magpies as he battled three knee reconstructions.

Players invited to participate in pre-season training at AFL clubs are paid $1000 per week.

The Blues have been active in that space, with Josh Deluca, Lukas Webb, Matthew Cottrell and success story Michael Gibbons all earning call-ups in the past two years.

Clubs with vacant rookie list spots can officially sign players in the supplemental selection period, which runs from January 6 until March 9.

DOG PULLS PIN WITH A YEAR LEFT ON CONTRACT

Western Bulldogs forward Sam Lloyd has pulled the pin on his AFL career with a year to run on his contract.

Lloyd, who played 89 games and kicked 114 goals for the Bulldogs and Richmond, told teammates of his decision this week.

His departure allows the Dogs to add a player via the pre-season supplemental selection period or in next year’s mid-season rookie draft.

Lloyd joined Richmond as a mature-age recruit at the end of 2013 and famously kicked a goal after the siren to help the Tigers beat Sydney by one point in 2016.

He crossed to the Bulldogs ahead of the 2019 campaign, playing all 23 games in his first season and leading the club’s goalkicking with 38.

But he added just nine matches and seven majors this year, as he battled a broken collarbone.

Sam Lloyd celebrates his matchwinning goal in 2016.

Sam Lloyd was Dustin Martin’s Brownlow date in 2017. Picture: Michael Klein

Lloyd said the timing was right to pull the pin.

“I’ve thought long and hard about this decision over the last few weeks and months,” Lloyd said.

“I have a chance to pursue some exciting business opportunities outside of the football industry and I’m keen to take on a different challenge.

“Playing AFL has been an amazing experience and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved on the field.

“I’m extremely grateful to have represented two great clubs, who have given me the chance to live out a boyhood dream.

“I’m thankful to everyone who’s helped me along the road on my football journey.”

Bulldogs list and recruiting manager Sam Power said the club respected Lloyd’s decision.

“Sam should be extremely proud of what he’s achieved over his career, both at Richmond and the Bulldogs,” Power said.

“Over the last two years Sam has been a strong leader for our young group and he has proven to be a respected and admired teammate.

“We wish him all the best for the next phase of his life, and he knows he will always be welcome at our club.”

Originally published as AFL list updates: Carlton considering Oscar McDonald, Sam Lloyd retirement creates vacancy at Western Bulldogs