James McDonald

[Steamin Demon 370]

With James McDonald coming back this weekend it brings up an interesting question, Should our skipper go around again next year? I heard this week on SEN he wanted another year. I am not forgetting his brilliant early season form but I honestly think he should go out on top and call it a day at the end of this year. I think we now have at least two players that can assume the captaincy (Moloney or Greeny).

James McDonald has been a champion of our club and deserves a champions send off, So I firmly believe he should play his last game against NM at the 'G' and hand the mantle to our young brigade.

[Red Sox 2]

It's an interesting point Steamin.

Next year is going to be his last and he probably deserves that opportunity. I love Junior as I am sure you do but I can see the future starting to take over.

I keep saying that as we move forward there will not be enough room for Junior, Moloney, Jones & McKenzie once some of the younger kids come on. Junior IMO still sits ahead of this group. McKenzie will take over this spot and one of Moloney/Jones wont make the cut each week.

[Crackers 67]

I keep saying that as we move forward there will not be enough room for Junior, Moloney, Jones & McKenzie once some of the younger kids come on. Junior IMO still sits ahead of this group. McKenzie will take over this spot and one of Moloney/Jones wont make the cut each week.

I just hope that he goes out on his terms. COuld it be good for him to leave the club after having a good year unlike Brad Johnson who has struggled to get on teh park this year for instance.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

No he should go out on terms that are respectfully negotiated and agreed between the player and the Club. If the Club wants him to play another year and he negotiates another year fine.

[pitchfork 181]

Need to be a little cold about it...had the question been raised 6 weeks ago most around here would probably have said "one more go around".

However, the team has done pretty well w/out him recently...can't help but notice Trengove sitting in the emergencies.

If Junior is prepared to miss out on a place next year at some point then he should be back, it's very hard to drop your skipper and one as respected as Jmac.

Perhaps relinquishing the captaincy and staying another year would be the best thing.

Edited July 30, 2010 by pitchfork

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Junior isnt holding back Trengove at all. Every game Junior has played so has JT. They also play different roles. On this years form Junior is good enough to claim a year. If he does there should no reason why he is not captain again.

[DeeSpencer 23,689]

4 games left until 250 games. 5 games left for the year. Play his 250th and 251st and retire knowing he did a damn fine job almost single handedly carrying a midfield from 2005-2010 and leading us back from hell.

He is still in the best 22 but the difference between him and Moloney/Sylvia/Trengove/McKenzie as inside mids is narrowing. Leadership without him is starting to improve. We've also seen that one minor hamstring has the ability to keep him out for what about 8 weeks?

[Red Sox 2]

Junior isnt holding back Trengove at all. Every game Junior has played so has JT. They also play different roles. On this years form Junior is good enough to claim a year. If he does there should no reason why he is not captain again.

Agree with this entirely. If he plays again, he is the captain. Should his form drop off considerably, Junior is not a bloke to stay around for his own purpose, he is a club man through and through.

Agree also that he is not holding Trengove back. It is out of Junior, McKenzie & Jones IMO that play similar positions/roles.

[pitchfork 181]

Don't think my point was JMAC's playing the same role.

Seems pretty plain to see that Junior, McKenzie & Jones (though less so) are playing for two spots, but if all 3 are in the team than someone else is missing out...Quite separate from the junior issue, can anyone see any reasonable reason that Trenners isn't in the team this week?

[Red Sox 2]

Don't think my point was JMAC's playing the same role.

Seems pretty plain to see that Junior, McKenzie & Jones (though less so) are playing for two spots, but if all 3 are in the team than someone else is missing out...Quite separate from the junior issue, can anyone see any reasonable reason that Trenners isn't in the team this week?

Nup. Looks like a player that has played over 100 games already and is a waste at Casey. I'll back the footy dept in their decisions as all have been working quite well, but not rapt with him at Casey.

[dee-luded 2,958]

I think he should go 'round again.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Don't think my point was JMAC's playing the same role.

Seems pretty plain to see that Junior, McKenzie & Jones (though less so) are playing for two spots, but if all 3 are in the team than someone else is missing out...Quite separate from the junior issue, can anyone see any reasonable reason that Trenners isn't in the team this week?

So why raise the fact that Trengove is being held back by Junior when that clearly is not the case?

If there are 3 players going for 2 spots...the best 2 players get the spot. Its healthy. No one is being held back. In fact they're being challenged to lift the standard. All good.

We need to get beyond that someone deserves a place in the side even though they might not be considered the best person for the role.

[pitchfork 181]

sorry, just because he does not fill the same role as trenners doesn't mean he isn't holding him back: I guess my mistake was saying it was "quite seperate".

We probably have a number of players filling a similar role, and they collectively are keeping out Trengove. Therefore 1 of 3 probably should miss out. Just can't see how Trengove isn't in our best 22 on form and on fit

[pitchfork 181]

If a guy like Trengove doesn't 'fit' than I'd argue you need to make sure he does 'fit',

[Steamin Demon 370]

sorry, just because he does not fill the same role as trenners doesn't mean he isn't holding him back: I guess my mistake was saying it was "quite seperate".

We probably have a number of players filling a similar role, and they collectively are keeping out Trengove. Therefore 1 of 3 probably should miss out. Just can't see how Trengove isn't in our best 22 on form and on fit

If fit he is in our best 22 easily. If form is the issue then JMac shouldn't be in, Reports from the last Casey game was that he was quite rusty. Skipper or not you should be selected on form.

[1858 274]

Junior deserves to have some sovereignty over the matter or all respectability goes out the window. Ultimately it is down to the coach though.

First and foremost it says a lot about not only McDonald as a player but the sense of enthusiasm the current state of our club seems to have given him. In an interview I saw earlier this year he said that in the tough times he asked himself if he had the petrol in the tank to keep going but he perseveered none the less. It appears that the passion in our group is at new levels from the captain all the way down to the rookies. Fantastic vibe at the club.

In no way do I wish to connect this as a factor for the decision making process but as an aside I must admit it will make our list management efforts all that more challenging.

[MadAsHell 4,089]

If the rumors of Bruce going to GC17 are true then McDonald should get one more year. If Bruce stays a demon and we don't loose any players then I hate to say it but I think it would be time for Junior to pull up stumps.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

sorry, just because he does not fill the same role as trenners doesn't mean he isn't holding him back: I guess my mistake was saying it was "quite seperate".

We probably have a number of players filling a similar role, and they collectively are keeping out Trengove. Therefore 1 of 3 probably should miss out. Just can't see how Trengove isn't in our best 22 on form and on fit

Junior is not holding JT back. The issue is quite seperate.

The only thing keeping Trengove out has been injured not other players. This week he returns from injury and may be given a conditioning run at Casey. He will back in the side next week. Its simple.

If form is the issue then JMac shouldn't be in, Reports from the last Casey game was that he was quite rusty. Skipper or not you should be selected on form.

Where's that photo of Commander Luc Picard from Star Wars when you need it?

If the rumors of Bruce going to GC17 are true then McDonald should get one more year. If Bruce stays a demon and we don't loose any players then I hate to say it but I think it would be time for Junior to pull up stumps.

They're not substantiated and Junior's future has nothing to do with Bruce. BTW, we will cut about 5 players this year. Junior and Bruce are on the vets list.

[1858 274]

They're not substantiated and Junior's future has nothing to do with Bruce. BTW, we will cut about 5 players this year. Junior and Bruce are on the vets list.

In your calculation Rhino how many senior list players out of the 5 and who? (Just curious).

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

In your calculation Rhino how many senior list players out of the 5 and who? (Just curious).

Bell

Miller

Cheney

McNamara

and possibly PJ. However I am leaning to him getting a 1 yr gig given the yawning gap between Jamar and other talls.

[MadAsHell 4,089]

They're not substantiated and Junior's future has nothing to do with Bruce. BTW, we will cut about 5 players this year. Junior and Bruce are on the vets list.

I see where your coming from RR, I'm just saying that IMO the club will most likely be looking to stagger McDonald's, Bruce's and Green's eventual departure from the club. I believe they wont want to loose anymore then 1 at most at a time, so if Bruce does head North then the club would be more then happy for McDonald to go on next year I believe.

As far as Bruce and McDonald both being on the vets list, Green will also be eligable to go on the list next season, so if one of Junior or Bruce leave, Green can take their spot and Green's spot on the normal list will become 1 of 5 spots that becomes available.

Edited July 30, 2010 by Tall Defence

[1858 274]

Bell

Miller

Cheney

McNamara

and possibly PJ. However I am leaning to him getting a 1 yr gig given the yawning gap between Jamar and other talls.

Agree with Miller and Bell. I think Cheney and McNamara are touch and go. Also I share your sentiment on PJ's situation.

No Martin?

[Steamin Demon 370]

Bell

Miller

Cheney

McNamara

and possibly PJ. However I am leaning to him getting a 1 yr gig given the yawning gap between Jamar and other talls.

That's 4 and a half

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Agree with Miller and Bell. I think Cheney and McNamara are touch and go. Also I share your sentiment on PJ's situation.

No Martin?

A possible in the mix.

That's 4 and a half

No flies on you.

[DemonWA 3,658]

i reckon he's worth another year - maybe without the role as skipper?

i also think that trengove has a spot in our best 22 regardless of what position others are playing. PJ hitting some good form has kinda kept us from playing him this week i reckon?

When Beemer is fit i reckon Jones will make way - beemer is a better player, and i reckon jones in holidng on due to his size.