23. James McDonald [180cm 75kg 05.10.76 - 217 games (19 in 2008) 49 goals (1 in 2008)] – perhaps not as dynamic or as outstanding a player as he was in 2006-07 when he took out the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy double but 31 year old McDonald showed great determination and leadership this year when called upon to share the captaincy reins with Cam Bruce under difficult circumstances after Neita's neck injury caused his premature retirement.

A regular club leader in the tackle count (a good indicator of the player’s tenacity), Junior has signed on for one more year.

...perhaps now known as the Messiah as he's arisen from a premature demise

Junior just does it week in week out.. He'd win the No Fuss Charley if such an award existed.

His effectivenss may be starting to wane..but he's still a valuable assett for next year.

With Junior..there's no song..no dance...just knuckle down to the job footy.. Hopefully he can mentor some of the younger brigade into this ethos

Always sneaks under the radar. I expect another couple of years from this legend of understatement.

Thought this year was not so good for Junior, but no one can question his work ethic and tenacity. Surely we won't see him past 2009, but it will have been a fine career whenever it ends.