The Edenhope-Apsley export was de-listed by Melbourne at the end of the 2020 season after 81 games and six years with the club.

Carlton invited the 24-year-old as a train-on player in December, along with two others, as the club looks to fill one remaining spot on its list.

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The Blues will be able to fill the spot in the pre-season supplemental period, which closes next Tuesday.

McDonald played in last week's scratch match against Carlton and has been named in the half-forward line for the Community Series opener against St Kilda.

Whether he actually ventures up forward is a different story, with McDonald playing most of his football in defence and even pinch-hitting in the ruck for Carlton during pre-season match simulations.

Horsham Demons product Seb Ross has been named on the interchange bench, as has Ararat-turned-Carlton defender Tom Williamson.

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