The son of former Kangaroos player Donald McDonald, North Melbourne took Luke McDonald as a father-son selection with the eighth pick of the 2013 AFL Draft.
It prove an inspired selection, as McDonald went on to play 23 games in his debut campaign for the club, cementing himself as a mainstay on the half-back flank during the side’s run to the preliminary final, and finishing third in the Rising Star.
Starting his career in the number 21 jumper, he welcomed the chance to wear the iconic number 11 upon the retirement of Michael ‘Spud’ Firrito, continuing the tradition of the number being worn by those who best represent the values of the club, following the likes of Glenn Archer.
While the Kangaroos’ 2020 campaign was mostly one to forget, the individual season McDonald put together is worth remembering, as the number 11 swept the club awards for his contributions both on and off the field.
A true North Melbourne man, McDonald was named co-captain alongside Jy Simpkin before the 2023 season, achieving yet another boyhood dream at his beloved club.
North Melbourne debut: Round 1, 2014
Career Brownlow votes: 4
2023: In his first year as a co-captain, McDonald chalked up 22 games in his usual backline role.
The experienced defender averaged 17.4 disposals per game and was pivotal in the side's early, five-point win against the Eagles, racking up 22 touches and six tackles.
In a rare moment in front of the big sticks against the Bombers in Round 12, the No.11 followed North Melbourne's surge forward, received a handball from Will Phillips, and launched a booming kick from inside the centre square for his first goal since Round 6, 2022.
While it was a tough season for the team on the field, off it, McDonald was awarded North Melbourne Life Membership during the club's best and fairest night.
