The Demons drafted the defender with the 53^rd pick of the 2014 national draft, with McDonald going on to make his debut late in the 2015 season.

The 24-year-old played 60 games across the 2016-18 seasons, and was an integral part of the Demons' defence during the club's finals run in the 2018.

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However, McDonald has featured in just 19 games since, finding himself behind star recruits Jake Lever and Steven May in the pecking order.

"Oscar has been a popular member of the footy club over the past six years and we would like to thank him for his valuable contributions," Melbourne's general manager of football, Josh Mahoney, said.

"Letting players go at this time of the year is always challenging, but we wish Oscar all the best for the future."

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Speaking during the trade period, McDonald's manager, Alex McDonald, said he was hopeful Oscar would be given an opportunity as a delisted free agent.

"With Steven May and Jake Lever as well as Adam Tomlinson, Oscar has been squeezed out," he said on AFL Trade Radio.

"He did play some forward and ruck towards the end of last year and the scrimmage matches this year, at his age I'm hoping he might be a delisted free agent if a trade can't get done."

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