Former St Kilda midfielder Leigh Montagna has suggested Melbourne place Tom McDonald on the trade table, with the club needing to "shake it up" in hopes of challenging for a premiership.

Speaking on Triple M's Dead Set Legends, Montagna believes the Demons need to make drastic changes if they want to contend for the title, with McDonald one player they could consider trading.

"You know my thoughts with these teams, they need to shake up their lists," Montagna said.

"You need to shake it up if you want to really challenge.

"I think maybe Tom McDonald can be on the trade table."

Montagna added Essendon as a perfect suitor for McDonald, with both clubs looking to adjust specific weaknesses.

"Maybe Essendon [should be] doing the same with a lot of their players... perfect swap really.

"Essendon might need another key defender or key forward, Melbourne need another bit of speed, a bit of class on the outside, so they might look at an Essendon player.

"You can't just keep expecting different results with a very similar list."

McDonald has played just the nine games for the Demons in 2020, averaging 8.6 touches 3.2 marks whilst booting seven goals for the year.