The talented top order bat is preparing for this weekend’s grand final against Kyabram at Deakin Reserve less than a month since he first broke into the A-grade line-up.
McDonald was crowned the top performer in B-grade when he claimed the association’s Young Family Medal on Wednesday night.
His 443 runs at an average of 63 from seven innings had him also take out B-grade’s batting average and feature in the Clyde Young Shield Team of the Year.
“Personally, it’s been pretty successful and I guess it’s been nice to get recognition as well,” McDonald said.
“I’d been struggling for form and it was probably just a switch in my mental state that has been the biggest help. I haven’t changed anything tactically it’s just been more mental, if anything.”
McDonald highlighted what made him try and take his game to the next level.
“Losing that B-grade final last year really hurt and I’d say that’s what has driven me this year,” he said.
“You always want to play the highest level you can, but I thought it would be pretty hard to crack into the A-grade side this year considering they were coming off a premiership. I just tried to contribute as much as possible to my team in B-grade.”
From his eight matches in B-grade, one particular knock stands out.
His magical unbeaten 149 off 123 deliveries against Euroa in round five was followed by a glorious 90 not out in a Twenty20 contest in January and his second half-century in B-grade in February.
That 75-run knock in round 12 helped him earn a spot in Mooroopna’s Haisman Shield team for the round 14 clash against Old Students.
“I’m really proud of Paul and what he’s been able to do this year,” Mooroopna coach Luke Zanchetta said.
“He is a really classy batter with a lot of skill. We know he is more than capable with the bat in hand.
“He is a very cool, laid-back type of person and he was scoring runs for fun in B-grade.”
Despite missing out with the bat in the final two rounds of the season and in the qualifying final, McDonald displayed his brilliance with willow in hand last weekend.
A match-high 42 helped guide Mooroopna to victory over the minor premier and into a second straight Haisman Shield final.
“His first couple of knocks in A-grade, you could see he was a bit nervous out in the middle,” Zanchetta said.
“But his last hit looked like he lost that fear and he batted with a really good mentality.
“It’s been massive to see him really step it up in finals.”
McDonald revealed Zanchetta had played a role in his stellar summer between the wickets and spoke glowingly of his club’s first-year coach.
“Luke has been fantastic (for the club) since he joined,” he said.
“He’s really helped change the culture at the club. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
McDonald’s past month has also allowed him the chance to play alongside his brother, Brodie.
The youngest of the two McDonalds has been a regular in the A-grade outfit in recent seasons.
“Brodie’s been playing A-grade for a while now. I hear the youngest always ends up with the talent,” McDonald said with a laugh.
“We haven’t had the chance to play much cricket together, so it’s been good to play with him and we actually got to bat together the other week which was nice.”
The duo may get an opportunity to spend time together out at the crease on Saturday in the decider against the Redbacks.
Although, McDonald will be hoping he doesn’t have to walk out to greet his brother too early in the innings.
The number three bat said he was ready for this weekend’s grand final.
“I didn’t think it would be in A-grade, but I’m looking forward to it,” McDonald said.
“It’s great for the club to have three sides make the final. Hopefully we can have some success on Saturday.”
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