Brown was unceremoniously dumped by North Melbourne at the end of last season, while McDonald was told by the Demons to look elsewhere despite still having a year to run on his contract.

McDonald soon discovered there was little interest among rival clubs for his services, so he decided to see out his deal with the Demons.

Brown was snapped up by Melbourne during last year's draft period, and booted three goals in Saturday's 74-point grand final win over the Bulldogs.

McDonald, who booted two goals in the grand final, enjoyed a solid 2021 campaign and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension earlier this month.

The 29-year-old has often spoken to Brown about their unique journeys over the past year.

"Isn't it funny - both essentially unwanted," McDonald told AAP.

"I wouldn't say either of us starred in the grand final, but we played our role to help the team win, and we're part of a premiership-winning team.

"I just know I'm lucky and fortunate to be in this position. I'm just really happy for the club and I'm thankful for getting the opportunity to come back and play for them."

McDonald and the rest of his teammates were desperate to end the club's 57-year flag drought, and their win in the grand final means they are now part of Demons folklore.

"We've been hearing from the old boys who played in the '64 granny and the ones before, and you realise how much it means to them and what it's done for the club," McDonald said.

"Obviously it's been a long time, and hopefully we win a few more along the way.

"But to be part of the group that one day will be able to talk to another group of Melbourne players in 40 years is pretty special."

Melbourne's age demographic means their flag window could remain open for years to come.

But McDonald knows there's no guarantees that the Demons will be able to follow in the footsteps of Hawthorn, Geelong, Brisbane, and Richmond by creating a dynasty.

"I'd love for that to happen, but who knows," he said.

"There's teams who win and drop down straight away, and there's teams who turn into a bit of a dynasty."

Australian Associated Press