Issue resolved:

JAMES McDONALD emerged tentatively into football as an adult running the boundary for Old Xaverians under-19s. Barely a year later he played for Melbourne as a rookie. He will finish his career as the decorated captain of Melbourne.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfnews/leade...1570665135.html

Junior will be captain in 2010. End of story.

Brettmcg has the story

http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfnews/leade...1570665135.html

"But it will not be this year. McDonald yesterday signed to play for another season and he will remain captain of the club again next year.

The Demons have embraced a draft-led recovery, and to that end farewelled three senior members of the team on Sunday, but they have sought to retain their captain in no small part because they want that influx of young players to be exposed to McDonald for another season.

''That would be my view, and that was one of the reasons for him staying on next year was to continue on as being the captain,'' coach Dean Bailey said.

''James being able to be pass on leadership and be captain of the football club and to be influential with our young midfielders and drafted players to come in was a very significant factor in him playing on. Obviously he has also had a very good season and his last month in particular has been very good, so we are very pleased that he will be playing on again next year."

I got to the part where you said you didn't particularly like James McDonald and my eyes glazed over.

I don't see how any MFC supporter can not like Junior.

Two Blueys and an AA selection...

Just lost a little faith in humanity...

I'm hoping he meant "didn't like him as captain", not as a player.

I'm hoping he meant "didn't like him as captain", not as a player.

Ok just to reiterate, i dont think he is the best candidate for Captain

I am aware that he will be captain next year.

I know he does stuff behind the scenes and is good with the team spirit thing. But for me, he makes to many mistakes for me to think he is a good captain. Although i do like his tackling efficiency and his toughness.

I read articles like that one linked, and hear the odd whiff of information come out from people close to the club, and it makes me sincerely believe that how the club (including players, coaches and admin) views McDonald in his role is vastly different to how we mugs view it. The club seems to have no shred of doubt that he's the one to lead.

I ran into JM in the street today before i heard the announcement, assuming he was playing on i mentioned how happyI and fellow members where that James was playing on (as there was no farewell in round 22).

He said he'll go around one more time. (meaning MFC will definitely need a captain in 2011, unless he goes around one more time)

Interesting.

He also mentioned about the huge amount of talent we have.

I can see Davey captaining the club in the future. Regardless of who they pick we WILL have a fine leader for our next premiership regardless who they pick. Really look at our choices; Mclean, Davey, Molloney, McDonald. Not too mention who we have coming through our ranks; Grimes, Sylvia, Morton. Future is Bright.

Congrats to James, A true Leader of our club.