Joel had a very good season - he played sixteen games, after being in and out a few times in the first half of the season. From Round 13 onwards, he found his niche in the backline and really made it his own. He’s a very competitive spirited player, who the players love playing with. He has the ability to win contests, finds the ball, and his ball use improved - he was very consistent with his ball use in the second half of the season. He’s a player who embodies everything that we’re after from the way that we want to play moving forward. - Jade Rawlings (back line coach) melbournefc.com.au

Games MFC 2012 16 MFC Total 43 [123] Goals MFC 2012 0 MFC Total 6

Games CSFC 2012 2 Goals CSFC 2012 0

MFC 140 kicks 146 handballs 286 disposals 61 marks 43 tackles

Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 228 votes

Macdonald isn't a player blessed with great skills or ability to read the play, but he gives everything he's got and more whenever he's on the field. He's the type of player that we need to set an example for the younger ones coming through. I don't think he'll be part of our next premiership team, but I think that at the moment he's an important player for us.

I really do have a soft spot for Joel. Sure his kicking isn't fantastic but there are only a few guys on the list who go harder at the contest than him. As well as that, he really does know how to find the ball and ends up with good numbers a lot of the time.

A good accountable, hard nosed defender with a real mean streak... a good combination.

Macdonald isn't a player blessed with great skills or ability to read the play, but he gives everything he's got and more whenever he's on the field. He's the type of player that we need to set an example for the younger ones coming through. I don't think he'll be part of our next premiership team, but I think that at the moment he's an important player for us.

+1

I'd be tempted to pay Joel Macdonald not to play for us next year. His so-called improved disposal comes from a very low base, and his decision making remains terrible.

Keeping a 28 year old with these flaws would be a sure sign that this club is going nowhere. Delist, please.

PGoing by that review Joel will play on.

Going by that review Joel will play on.

He is IMO far from the worst on our list.

Will never be a champion but we need his experience especially if Rivers moves on.

I'd be tempted to pay Joel Macdonald not to play for us next year. His so-called improved disposal comes from a very low base, and his decision making remains terrible.

Keeping a 28 year old with these flaws would be a sure sign that this club is going nowhere. Delist, please.

Can't agree with you here.

Bennell, Cook, Jetta, Dunn, Bate, Bartram (because of injury), Davis, Morton, Spencer and Petterd are all players I'd see gone before MacDonald to be honest. He is a must keep for mine as he adds experience and hardness to the side. Although he might not be the best kick, his other attributes make him a better player than others who might be a better kick but can't find the ball (Bennell for example).

On the age issue, I think the Bailey era has shown that youth alone will fail. We need a good mix of age and experience and Joel's age group is one we are sorely lacking players in.

He is IMO far from the worst on our list.

Will never be a champion but we need his experience especially if Rivers moves on.

No brainier. Must keep - even if Rivers stays. Before I die, I would love to see the back line play behind a competent midfield and forward line. We might all be surprised by how well they would do.

Keep

If we turn over 10 players from our list i would like to see joel mac gone as i think he is in our bottom 10.

After reading the review it would appear he will play on even if we turned over 15 players.

He is barely ahead of where warnock was and along with bail and dunn must be bloody impressive behind closed doors because i cant see how else they get so much love

Keep

keep. Not a starter but a handy depth player. Shows urgency. Goes hard every time. Good enough for me.

the cockroach - unkillable

Although he might not be the best kick, his other attributes make him a better player

Like dropping sitters?

the cockroach - unkillable

Wow. What an affectionate nickname.