Oscar McDonald has labelled his delisting a "kick in the guts", but is holding hope for a second chance in the AFL.
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The Edenhope-Apsley export was cut by Melbourne earlier this week, after 81 games with the club over six seasons.
McDonald said despite the obvious disappointment, he was pleased with how the Demons handled the situation.
"When I had the meeting I knew what was going to happen and how it was going to go down, so it wasn't completely unexpected," he told 1116 SEN.
"In saying that, it is a bit of a kick in the guts and a bit disappointing that my time is up at Melbourne, but the way it was handled lessened the blow a little bit.
"The last two weeks have been alright. I've just tried to put it at the back of my mind and what will happen will happen."
The 24-year-old said he was grateful for the opportunity he had to pull on the red and blue.
"It was a short and sharp meeting, and in this current climate it was over Zoom, so we didn't get the chance to have that face-to-face connection that you'd normally have," he said.
"We talked about how I put in all I had to give to the club, and they were appreciative. I said, likewise, (Melbourne) gave me an opportunity and the chance to play alongside my brother for six-odd years."
Melbourne drafted the defender with the 53rd pick of the 2014 national draft, welcoming Oscar to the same club as his older brother Tom.
McDonald said he was grateful for the opportunity to play alongside his brother.
"It was fantastic. I remember we played our first game together in under-14's, I reckon. I would have been 11; he would have been 14," he said.
"We played at Penola one day. I think I got on for a quarter and that was the first time I played with him. The next time I played with him would have been over at Subiaco Oval in my debut match against Freo.
"I've had a couple just to reflect on things, and (playing together) in high regard in what we've done in our lives, and I dare say our whole family would be pretty proud."
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McDonald's management team has signalled its intent to find a new home for the Wimmera export as a delisted free agent.
Players who have been delisted by a club can join any AFL club that offers them a contract.
There is also a chance McDonald could be recruited in the Supplemental Selection Period - granted the interested club has a list spot open or a long-term injury.
"I'd be really excited to receive an opportunity at another AFL club. If that were to transpire, I'd jump at the chance," McDonald said.
"Over the next couple of weeks, hopefully, there are a few conversations had. But you know, if not, I'll just have to move on to a different part of my life.
"At the moment, I'm still fully intent on pursuing (an opportunity) with another football club."