Demons’ new dad relishing bub time

IF IT had to happen, the AFL shutdown could not come at a better time for Melbourne forward Tom McDonald.

After becoming a dad for the first time four months ago, McDonald has relished the extra time he has had to spend with his baby daughter, Bella.

Hours at the club training have made way for special bonding time with his little girl and afternoon walks every day, just the two of them, to give mum Ruby a break.

“That’s been really special to have a bit more time with her, to see her grow up and change every day a little bit more than I would have if I was at work every day,” McDonald said. “She has been a lot of fun, especially the last two weeks, we have noticed a big difference in her.”

While training has remained a priority, McDonald admits footy hasn’t occupied too much of his mind the rest of the time during the break.

Asked about his hopes for the season ahead, the-27-yearold admitted it was not something he had given too much thought about — but that’s set to change with a return date officially confirmed.

“You know what’s funny, I haven’t even thought about that ... I honestly haven’t thought about form or other teams,” McDonald said.

“I have been really interested in the virus in general and how society has changed. I’ve had a lot more interest in politics over the last month.

“I have been interested in what our individual training has been like … but I have not thought about other teams at all and who is going to be good and who is going to be bad and that sort of thing. That’s probably been the last thing on my mind. There has been enough things to stress about let alone where I should set up at a forward stoppage.”