Key stats:

AFL Games: 2

Disposals per game: 12.5

Marks per game: 5.5

Intercept marks per game: 2

Season summary:

Following a late change, Macdonald made his AFL debut against Port Adelaide in Round 12, with his selection coming off the back of some consistent VFL performances. The young speedster joined the brown and gold following the 2022 national draft, where the Hawks selected him with Pick 51. Across his two senior games, Macdonald averaged 12.5 disposals and 5.5 marks per game. The 19-year-old rebound defender was also a consistent contributor for Box Hill this year, averaging 16.5 disposals across his 16 VFL appearances. 

How the coaches saw him:

“I was really pleased to see Bailey get a taste of AFL in his first year, playing two games. He has so many attributes that could be really damaging at AFL level with his speed and his run and carry. Hopefully, that little taste of the AFL he got this year really drives him over the summer to improve and continue to work on his defensive actions and his positioning. Along with Mitchell, Weddle, Impey and Amon, we’ve got this really good group of offensive half backs that could cause opposition a lot of issues, so we’re excited to see Bailey continue to develop.” – Kade Simpson