‘Unadulterated theft’: Tom McDonald robs teammate of certain goal in Demons victory

This Demons forward has been accused of “unadulterated theft” after a monumental brain fade robbed his teammate of a certain goal.

Melbourne forward Tom McDonald has been accused of “unadulterated theft” after robbing a Demons teammate of a certain goal.

Melbourne Demons forward Tom McDonald has been accused of “unadulterated theft” after robbing teammate James Harmes of a certain goal during Saturday’s match against Hawthorn at the MCG.

The Demons were trailing by two points early in the second quarter when Harmes fended off Hawks opponent Sam Frost inside the forward 50 and snapped a checkside kick towards the goals.

But although the Sherrin would have sailed through for a definite goal, McDonald inexplicably took a mark on the goal line.

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Umpires called for a score review, with replays showing that McDonald had indeed caught the footy inches before it passed through the posts.

The 29-year-old sheepishly kicked the six-pointer to put Melbourne ahead on the scoreboard, but he hardly celebrated the goal with his teammates.

“You’ve never seen a guy more disappointed to kick a goal,” former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy commentary.

Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall continued: “What was he doing trying to mark that? That was one of the goals of the year.

“That’s pure unadulterated theft.”

Former Collingwood premiership player Dale Thomas told Channel 7’s Sunday Session: “Tom McDonald, get off, get out of the way.

“That is selfish … I would have been absolutely spewing.”

James Harmes of the Demons. Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Speaking to Fox Footy’s Best On Ground after the 10-point victory, Harmes denied his effort was a goal of the year contender.

“I scooped the ball up, don’t argue’d Frosty in the throat – it was lucky not to be called a free – then whacked it on the boot with a banana and big Tommy marked it on the line,” he said on Saturday evening.

“That’s footy … Tommy owes me one, so next week he can give me one back.”

McDonald then attempted to explain his monumental brain fade, vowing to buy his teammate a beverage.

“I’m thinking you just don’t want to be that idiot who lets it go through and if it’s a banana snap it lands on the line and bounces back in, so I’m sort of playing the percentages,” he said.

“I haven’t been playing that well so I wanted the goal as well. So (to Harmes) thanks for that, I’ll buy you a beer tonight.”

Harmes quickly quipped: “He wouldn’t shout if a shark bit him this bloke.”

Tom McDonald explains his brain fade to James Harmes. Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Melbourne ultimately secured a 13.13 (91) to 11.15 (81) win over the Hawks to extend their unbeaten streak to 14 consecutive games — the reigning premiers remain the only undefeated AFL side this year after seven rounds.

McDonald finished with two majors and two behinds from 13 disposals, while Harmes collected 16 disposals of his own. Meanwhile, Melbourne captain Max Gawn was a standout performer with 34 hit-outs, 14 contested possessions and two goals.

The Demons were without coach Simon Goodwin and premiership players Luke Jackson, Kysaiah Pickett, Tom Sparrow, Harrison Petty and Alex Neal-Bullen due to Covid-19 protocols.

Melbourne will next face St Kilda on Sunday, May 8, with the first bounce scheduled for 1.10pm AEST.

Originally published as ‘Unadulterated theft’: Tom McDonald robs teammate of certain goal in Demons victory