The star defender-turned-forward,the Demons'leading goalkicker in 2018 when they made a preliminary final,has struggled with form and injury over the past two seasons.

McDonald finished fifth in the Demons’ best and fairest that year behind All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn after booting 53 goals in 20 games.

He signed a lucrative four-year contract in June that year,rejecting his option of free agency.

McDonald,who can play forward and back,managed only nine games in 2020 in what was a difficult year for both him and the club.

Coach Simon Goodwin has seemingly decided his key back stocks are set,with recruit Steven May enjoying a strong year beside interceptor Jake Lever.

Former Giant Adam Tomlinson found a home in defence later in the year and looks set to play at centre half-back in 2021.

Sam Weideman and youngster Luke Jackson are seen as the future of the Demons’ forward line,although if McDonald leaves they may look to bring someone else in.

McDonald could still stay at Melbourne and see out his contract,but would need to fight for his spot as a forward or defender.

Cameron’s decision on whether he stays or leaves GWS will be one of the first major dominos for the trade period.

If he re-commits to the Giants,it would mean the likes of Geelong,Essendon,Melbourne and perhaps Collingwood will still be on the lookout for another target forward.

If he departed,although devastating for the Giants,it would provide them with significant salary- cap relief.