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MacFarlane joins Danny Griffin through the Pittodrie players' entrance this month after breezing through a medical, and has signed a similar six-month deal.
MacFarl-in...Hammell Next?
MacFarlane joins Danny Griffin through the Pittodrie players' entrance this month after breezing through a medical, and has signed a similar six-month deal.
As both players are holding midfielders, it may be a case of the two battling it out on the pitch to win an extended contract at the club.
Griffin has had a great start to his pittodrie career, helping the Reds to two wins and a draw in the three games he has played, but MacFarlane may have the advantage of having previously struck up a partnership with Scott severin during their successful time at Hearts.
MacFarlane said: "The aim is to help Aberdeen clinch a top-six place then have a real go at getting into the UEFA Cup next season, which is definitely possible. Hearts finished third last season and I had a taste of European football when we got through to the group stage of the UEFA Cup.
"Now I want more of the same at Aberdeen and it's a challenge I look forward to. I can guarantee that Aberdeen are getting a hard-working player who will always give everything for the team.
Calderwood is likely to hand MacFarlane his debut in the crunch fixture with Kilmarnock on Saturday. He said: "He's tall, powerful with a physical presence and high energy. He gets about the park well and will bring a different balance to our midfield. Looking at the schedule that lies ahead, we will definitely need that quality.
"He's a player I've always liked when we played against Hearts and when the opportunity arose, we moved to sign him. From speaking to people in the game he's regarded as a model pro and showed a great deal of character to come back from a serious injury a few seasons ago. I believe he'll prove an asset."
Meanwhile, Calderwood has targetted Motherwell defender Steve Hammell, and is believed to be ready to swoop for the 23-year-old. Hammell has played over 200 games at Fir Park and has one full Scotland cap as well as several for the national U21 team.
He is believed to have been offered a pre-contract agreement and further talks between the player's representatives and the Dons are due to take place this week.
- FORMER Leeds United midfielder Jamie Winter is set to spend a spell on loan at farmers' favourites St Johnstone.
Jimmy Calderwood said: "Before the transfer window opened I said that players would have to leave Pittodrie before new ones came in.
"Jamie hasn't been involved in the first team so often this term. He'll get that chance at Perth and hopefully come back a better player."