The former North Ballarat Rebel, 22, expects Melbourne coaching staff to use the encounter at his old stomping ground of Eureka Stadium to fast track the club’s pre-season after last week’s loss to Fremantle.

“I think for us, for where we’re coming from, we can’t treat it as a practice match,” McDonald said.

“We’re hoping to get a lot out of these next two games because we’re already behind the eight ball on those top teams.

“We’re really excited about playing down there, and for myself, it’s been a while since I’ve played at Eureka.”

McDonald played 21 games for the Demons last year in a commanding role down back and is relishing his first injury-free pre-season for several years.

He said younger brother Oscar, drafted to Melbourne from the Rebels with pick 53 in the 2014 AFL draft, had impressed in his first season, and was a chance to break into the senior side later in the year.

“I think he’s done really well,” he said.

“He’s grown into his body a bit and I’ve already seen a physical change in him. I’d expect to see him out there pretty soon.”

McDonald labelled Heritier Lumumba, Christian Salem and Sam Frost as the standouts from the pre-season, and said last year’s number three draft pick Angus Brayshaw could be in line for a maiden senior call-up after missing last Thursday’s clash against the Dockers.

However, exciting key forward Jesse Hogan could be in doubt for the match against the Dogs, despite being cleared of a foot injury.

Bulldogs general manager of football Graham Lowe said the Dogs’ aim was to field quality sides in each NAB Challenge match.

“Our focus over the NAB Challenge series is to build on a quality pre-season, field a strong team every week, while ensuring we have our best possible team ready for round one against West Coast,” Lowe said.

“We look forward to returning to Eureka Stadium and playing in front of a community who are very passionate about football.”

North Ballarat Roosters chief executive officer Mark Patterson said preparations had gone smoothly for the match, with expectations of a crowd size between the 4000-7000 mark – slightly lower than that for the North Melbourne v Carlton encounter last year, which drew about 8000.

Patterson said the AFL had already distributed about 2200 tickets, with 700 more already pre-sold.

michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au