Retired Melbourne premiership player Tom McDonald will continue his football career at Rochester Football Club in the Golbourne Valley league, reuniting with a former teammate, Marty Hore, in 2027.
McDonald retired from the AFL after 16 years with the Demons, playing in 260 games, including the 2021 premiership victory over the Western Bulldogs.
"After an outstanding 16-year AFL career with Melbourne, Tom is ready for his next chapter in yellow and black," a statement from the club read.
"A 2021 AFL Premiership player with 260 AFL games and a Melbourne life member. Tom brings a wealth of experience, versatility and leadership to Rochester.
"Having made his mark at both ends of the ground, Tom will be a fantastic addition to our side, and we're excited for the knowledge and experience he'll share with our developing players.
"The move will also see Tom reconnect with Marty Hore, good friend, former Melbourne teammate and our coach."
Hore played 20 games for Melbourne across two separate stints, with injuries limiting his ability to get on the back.
The pair spent years 2019–2021 and 2024–2025 together at the Demons.
Hore only recently jumped onto an AFL field following his delisting from the AFL at the end of last year. He played five games this year, including three senior games in August.
He returned to the family dairy farm at Leitchville, where he has spent the year milking 750 cows with 15 employees.
