MELBOURNE captain James McDonald says the playing group is hoping to take some inspiration from Jim Stynes’ cancer battle.

McDonald said Stynes’ announcement had put life into perspective for the players and that they all offered the Melbourne president their full support.

“His health is his No.1 priority for himself and everyone around him at the moment,” McDonald said. “If you can take a bit away from how Jimmy’s gone about his football career and how he’s come back to the football club to take on a presidency role, he has given a lot to the club.

“Every one of us has to step up a little bit and take a bit of Jimmy with us. Jimmy won’t be able to help us as much.

“He is taking a step back at the moment so it is important everyone steps up and pulls their weight.”

McDonald said the playing group was stunned when it heard of Stynes’ plight on Thursday morning.

“It was a pretty big shock,” he said. “We really had no idea when we got a text message this morning to come to the MCG for a meeting.

“The good thing about Jimmy, and I’ve known him for a long time, I played with him in 1997 and 1998 - he’s got great mental strength and is really positive about life. I think we can all take a bit away from that.”

McDonald said Stynes’ work on and off the field had been vital to Melbourne.

 “We were in a pretty bad situation last year. Jimmy had the passion to save the club and he wanted to see his children be able to support the club as they grow up. He didn’t have to do that but it shows real passion,” he said.

“He has given the club great service just through his playing days and now he has come back as president as well. It has been a huge effort and it is really important we keep striving to get the club from being a good club to a great club.”