James McDonald

D .O.B:    
5 October 1976
Club:    
Melbourne
Honours:  
1997 Rookie Elevation
1997 AFL Debut
2003 Runner Up Best and Fairest
2006 & 2007 Best and Fairest
2006 All-Australian
2006 International Rules series
2009 & 2010 Melbourne Football Club Captain

James is a highly effective and hard-working midfielder, who shows no signs of slowing down even as he enters his 30's. He has been a consistent member of the Melbourne senior side since making his debut back in round 17, 1997 and is without doubt one of Melbourne’s most respected and durable players.

James played arguably the best football of his career in 2006, averaging 23 disposals per game, leading the league in tackles and continually putting his body on the line in order to find the ball. This performance saw him win the clubs Best & Fairest and receive All-Australian Honours and was rewarded by the club with a promotion into the leadership group.

2007 saw James continue his outstanding form and he was rewarded with a second Best & Fairest Award. He again averaged 23 disposals and was on top of the kicks, handballs and tackles categories for the Demons.

McDonald played his 200th game in 2008 and was a fine leader, sharing the captaincy with Cameron Bruce after David Neitz retired. James finished the season with 19 games and an average of 20 disposals.

James started the 2009 season off on a positive note by being named captain of Melbourne Football Club, becoming just the fourth player since 1991 to hold the honour. He played 18 games throughout the season and more importantly led by example. The skipper put a lot of energy and efforts into helping the young players develop faster and helped the club get back up where it should be.

At the end of the 2009 season, McDonald was re-appointed as captain of the Demons, after the players voted him as skipper for the second consecutive season.