2009 Player Review - # 23 James McDonald

[Demonland 65,942]

James McDonald – Again his tackling and ferocity was first-class. He did have some injuries and played under duress, but he overcame them to play 18 games. James is an example of what you can do when you don't have the footy – he continually chases and harasses. We're really looking forward to his leadership again next year – Sean Wellman on Melbournefc.com.au

[beelzebub 22,265]

Onya Junior. I too lok forward to your leadership on ( and off ) the field. I think all would agree hes been a magnificent servant of the club and deserves a year as a swan song of sorts. Im sure you will convey much of what is right and expected of a player wearing the Red and Blue on to the younger brigade.

enjoy '010.. Im sure you understand the reality of your position.

[rpfc 27,590]

I thought he would go but his last 6 weeks proved to me that he could still hold a spot in the 22 and give the younger blokes some real leadership. I love Bruce and Green but Junior is head and shoulders above them in that dept.

Another thing that I completely forgot at the time he got his extension is that only he and Bruce would qualify for the VL. So with Green not qualifying until 2011, Junior staying on would only be taking the spot of a kid on the RL. Makes the decision that much smarter if you ask me.

[BAMF 3,787]

Cameron Bruce and Brad Green were both drafted in 99. How come Bruce is the only one eligible for the V.L?

[Nasher 33,133]

Cameron Bruce and Brad Green were both drafted in 99. How come Bruce is the only one eligible for the V.L?

Age I think.

[beelzebub 22,265]

Age I think.

correct..Bruce currently 30..Green 28

[Rogue 585]

At one point I was a bit concerned about how he was travelling.

I think Wellman's point regarding McDonald's work off the ball is a good one - Junior works hard to block and tackle etc.

Another thing that I completely forgot at the time he got his extension is that only he and Bruce would qualify for the VL. So with Green not qualifying until 2011, Junior staying on would only be taking the spot of a kid on the RL. Makes the decision that much smarter if you ask me.

Indeed.

[deeflog 679]

Will find it hard by round 15 to be getting a regular game in the seniors in my opinion, and questions will be raised as to why he went on.....i may be proved wrong on this one though

[Swampfox 190]

For a player who hasnt been blessed with lots of silky skills he sure does make up for it in the way he plays

Well past his best which is to be expected and with very little clear mature leadership at the club i am glad he is going one more season as captain

Nathan Buckley rated him as opponent

To me he was underated thoughout his career even by demon supporters

[45HG 1,539]

A very wise move to keep Junior on instead of Robbo in my view.

A great servant of the MFC.

[rpfc 27,590]

Will find it hard by round 15 to be getting a regular game in the seniors in my opinion, and questions will be raised as to why he went on.....i may be proved wrong on this one though

You a fan of Robbo or Rookie List Pick 49?

[Brayshaws' Helmet 143]

A very wise move to keep Junior on instead of Robbo in my view.

A great servant of the MFC.

i think the exact opposite.

IMO McDonald makes too many mistakes in pressure situations for him to be captain. But i'm not too fussed about it

[The Big Ticket 94]

Not sure how some think we should have ditched Junior before Robertson.

A no-bs captain and has been a fantastic servant for the MFC.

[Guest Rojik of the Arctic]

I'm not sure how I feel about Jmac going around another year. On one hand I thought he really struggled for most of this year, but on the other his 1%'ers are a great thing for the kids to see. I just hope for his sake that he goes out playing good footy and that he hasn't played that one year too long that some players do.

[deeflog 679]

You a fan of Robbo or Rookie List Pick 49?

I was one who thought keeping robbo for our younger forwards would have been a wiser move, but since he has gone shooting his mouth off he can get stuffed.

All i was saying is that by round 15 i think Beamer will have taken his spot as the leader of the midfield and he will struggle for a spot with the young fellas coming through

[45HG 1,539]

i think the exact opposite.

IMO McDonald makes too many mistakes in pressure situations for him to be captain. But i'm not too fussed about it

Not sure how that's the exact opposite.

I say keeping him instead of Robbo was a wise move - you claim he makes errors but aren't too fussed that he's the captain of the club

[H_T 2,941]

A very wise move to keep Junior on instead of Robbo in my view.

A great servant of the MFC.

Agree. Happy that he is going around for 2010. Finished off 2009 ok after his niggle.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

I was one who thought keeping robbo for our younger forwards would have been a wiser move, but since he has gone shooting his mouth off he can get stuffed.

All i was saying is that by round 15 i think Beamer will have taken his spot as the leader of the midfield and he will struggle for a spot with the young fellas coming through

Robbo has been shooting his mouth off in the Press for years. I am not sure what Robbo gives our younger forwards when his well documented lack of effort for the contested ball, absence of defensive pressure and propensity to play the showboat at the wrong time. Each to his own.

By round 1, Beamer should be in that role because beyond the odd cameo, I dont see Junior as paqrt of the midfield rotations in 2010.

[Deeoldfart 7,800]

Like some others, I see a diminishing role for Junior in the midfield, even more-so if we pick up Luke Ball. IMO he will get less game time, but his contribution, including leadership, when playing in short bursts, will be valuable for another season. Like Rojik, I sincerely hope he retires at the end of 2010, as a player who has earned a spot on merit in our best 22.

[jnrmac 19,202]

I'm not sure how I feel about Jmac going around another year. On one hand I thought he really struggled for most of this year, but on the other his 1%'ers are a great thing for the kids to see. I just hope for his sake that he goes out playing good footy and that he hasn't played that one year too long that some players do.

He struggled as he had a knee injury which he only shook off in the last 6 weeks. suggest you look at his form in the last 6 weeks which was in fact very good.

[Disco Demons 92]

james macdonald,,,i think there is a strong chance he's not going to last at the club the entire year. Esp if melbourne performs and has a full list of players to choose from.

macdonald played 18 games for 2009 and finished equal 9th in the B&F.

given we have a lot of youth. the fact melbourne came last this year and macdonald has voted 9th best player,,,he's on a one year contract...he's on his way out,,,

if he's not performing he'll be under great pressure to step aside for the youth policy.

thoughts?

[Sir Why You Little 34,696]

james macdonald,,,i think there is a strong chance he's not going to last at the club the entire year. Esp if melbourne performs and has a full list of players to choose from.

macdonald played 18 games for 2009 and finished equal 9th in the B&F.

given we have a lot of youth. the fact melbourne came last this year and macdonald has voted 9th best player,,,he's on a one year contract...he's on his way out,,,

if he's not performing he'll be under great pressure to step aside for the youth policy.

thoughts?

Junior is captain of the club for what he does off field with the players as well as on.

If he is still captain for next year then he must be doing it right, I even wondered whether he should be playing in 2009 for most of the year, but he did improve.

I expect his on field roll to be managed carefully next year. We don't have a lot of experience in the side right now. So junior is it.

[The Big Ticket 94]

Junior's the captain and he won't be dropped. I think it will be his last year but if he can go around again, then I'm all for it.

[hoopla 418]

Junior's the captain and he won't be dropped. I think it will be his last year but if he can go around again, then I'm all for it.

Half way through last season I thought Junior was finished. He was clearly struggling with the pace of the game and injury.

But at season's end he was playing good footy - I reckon a lot of his votes would have been in the last few games. On that form - he definitely warranted another season. He'd have to fall way badly not be in our Best 22... quite apart from his value as a leader

[Brayshaws' Helmet 143]

i know i'm going to get bashed, but i have said it before, shouldn't of been captain last year, or this year