MELBOURNE forward Tom McDonald will likely miss the rest of the season, having torn his meniscus during the side's narrow victory over Carlton on Sunday.

McDonald failed to finish the clash at the MCG after hurting his left knee in the third quarter.

Tom McDonald gets something out of nothing for the Dees!#AFLBluesDees pic.twitter.com/nRV7wzrTZF — AFL (@AFL) July 7, 2019

"It's good and bad news," McDonald told radio station SEN.

"The good news is I haven't done an ACL or anything too severe, but I've got a little meniscus tear. I'll see a surgeon, but it probably will require some surgery.

"It might be tough to be back playing this year, but it could be a lot worse."

Tom McDonald celebrates one of his six goals against Carlton. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos



It's disappointing news for the mobile 194cm forward, who has returned to form over the last month following a lean start to the Demons' campaign.

McDonald had kicked 10 goals from the side's last three matches, including a six-goal haul against the Blues, after slotting just eight majors throughout the first 12 games of the year.

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Melbourne has endured a horror run with injury this season, which continued on Sunday with McDonald, Marty Hore (collarbone) and Harrison Petty (concussion) all going down.

All Australian ruckman Max Gawn was also a late withdrawal due to an ankle injury, but expects to return for next week's clash with the Western Bulldogs.

"I can't see them keeping me out for two weeks," Gawn said on Monday.

"Especially when we win. I don't like missing wins, so I'll be pushing to get back in."