It was said of ‘Junior’ leading into 2005 that he was then ‘One of the hardest workers, McDonald is an integral part of Melbourne’s centre clearances …. Goes unnoticed but highly regarded by team mates for his courage and consistency.’
Fast forward five years, and whether he wishes to go unnoticed or not, McDonald cannot. Coming to the end of his second season as captain, he is a steadying influence and much admired in the life of the Club, as well as throughout the competition.
Back in September 2001, McDonald and older brother Anthony had both cemented their presence in the team. Anthony had debuted in Round Four, 1997, followed by James in Round 17. Both had persevered to get to senior ranks, following in the footsteps of their older brother, Alex. James was then aged 24, when he and Anthony were interviewed for the Club magazine. James - then definitely ‘Junior’ with Anthony still playing - reflected on overcoming chronic fatigue and a number of leg injuries before giving the game away entirely in 1995 - then making his way to Old Xaverians for 1996.
That might have been a ‘million miles away’ from AFL, but it was close enough, and by 1997 he was in the thick of the AFL. At the end of his first season, and after wearing No. 54 for his four games, McDonald didn’t even have a photo in the Club’s yearbook. But, he had an effusive review, which read:
‘Another bright spot in a generally bleak year. James had his first season with Melbourne, coming across from the Amateurs and made his debut against the Old Enemy in round 17. He is a good crumbing player who reads the game well. He suffered chronic fatigue syndrome in 1994, and once we can develop his endurance he will be a good player us, capable of playing half forward, wing or on ball.’
From this time, McDonald continued to ‘make a difference’ and gain in strength. Even in adversity, ‘Junior’ inspired. His right knee buckled beneath him late in 2000, ruling him out of contention for the team’s end of season seven game winning streak, which streamed into the finals and a Grand Final appearance. But even while he was absent, and would not return until part of the way through 2001 after a reconstruction to his right knee, McDonald’s presence was strongly felt. Brownlow Medallist Shane Woewodin channelled the plight of the younger McDonald to inspire him, carrying the word ‘Junior’ on the back of his hand.
Making his return part of the way through 2001, James became the sole member of the family to be playing AFL after the retirement of Anthony in 2002, with 104 games under his belt - however, the two brothers would still share the arena in coming seasons, with Anthony taking on the role of match day runner.
Second to Russell Robertson for the Best and Fairest in 2003, McDonald played his 100th game in the same season, and only missed one game. He was the epitome of understated achievement, and in coming seasons, the AFL world would start to pay him the respect he was due for his tenacity and spirit.
All the ingredients combined in 2006, when McDonald was named All Australian, represented Australia against Ireland, won the Best and Fairest, and led the competition for tackles in the same year. Reflecting on the year that was, McDonald said, ‘The difference in 2006 was that I’ve been more consistent right throughout the year. Previously I was consistent in blocks, and then quiet for a few games.’
At the end of 2007, McDonald echoed his efforts of the year before, becoming the first Melbourne player since Jim Stynes to go back-to-back in the Best and Fairest. Hailed as ‘committed and consistent’, he missed just one game during that season, and was third in the AFL in tackles, ‘giving his all week after week’.
The ultimate acknowledgement of his achievements came when heading into Season 2009. Named to lead the side, McDonald was typically unassuming. ‘Being captain is a little bit more demanding than simply playing and concentrating on you …
Overall, I’m certainly welcoming the challenge of being captain. I’m very excited about the opportunity to captain Melbourne, and look forward to setting up this very young side for the future, so that we can create a history to be proud of in seasons to come.’
Heading towards another milestone, McDonald’s career is one of the features of the Club’s recent history. As brother Anthony said near the end of 2001, James was always likely to be the McDonald to play the most games. ‘He’s got time on his side’. Now, almost a decade on, he has made the most of every season, every game, on his way to 250, and we congratulate him.
