Numerous times in the Sydney clash, McDonald dropped back into the leading space of gun Swans forward Barry Hall. And the role reminded him of the one he used to perform when he debuted in the AFL in 1998.
"Early in my career, that was sort of my role - as a defensive ruckman. Today was sort of going back in time a bit," McDonald explained.
"It took a bit of time to get used to again but as long as you get the voice from the defenders and they can tell you where to stand, it's not too hard.
"Obviously you're man might get a few kicks around the ground but you sacrifice that to get back and help out the defenders. I certainly enjoy whatever role I'm given - it's good to be out there."
Although McDonald, the consummate team player, was disappointed with the side's fourth straight loss, he was enthused at having kicking the first goal of his comeback in the final quarter. Before last week's loss to West Coast, McDonald had not played since Round 14 of 2003, so it is little wonder he struggled to remember where or when he kicked his most recent senior goal prior to today.
"I honestly couldn't recall my last goal! That's a bit far back," he laughed.
"I was in the right place at the right time I suppose. Every opportunity we get in front of goal, we have to kick them."
Because of his extended period on the sidelines, McDonald is well-placed to identify the differences between the 2006 Lions and their predecessors who won a hat-trick of premierships between 2001 and 2003.
"In general, we've got a totally different side now. We play different football," McDonald said.
"The game's a bit quicker but the good sides are the ones that can play three or four different types of football in the one game.
"They know when to quicken up, they know when to slow down and they know when to flood - they are the good teams and that's where we need to get to."
McDonald and ruckmate Jamie Charman will now spend the week preparing to square off against Hawks ace Peter "Spida" Everitt at Carrara on Saturday. He also plans on continuing to work on his tap-work around stoppages, hoping to enhance the bond he has with the midfielders who feed off his aerial efforts.
"That (tapwork) is always something I've got to improve on. It's been okay," he said.
"I wouldn't say it's been terrific but it's getting better by the week and I've just got to keep working with the midfielders to get the calls and the signs right and a bit of continuity going.
"It's about getting to the stage where you just look at each other and know where you are going to go and we'll keep working to that."
