Melbourne’s dual best and fairest in 2006 and 2007, McDonald served as Club captain before moving to GWS in a combined playing and coaching role, from which he today announced his retirement.

McDonald, who played 251 matches and kicked 56 goals for Melbourne from 1997 to 2010, made his senior AFL debut  after being elevated from the rookie list.

After a year out of the game, McDonald - selected at No. 87 in the 2011 National Draft - played thirteen games for the Giants in 2012, as well as taking on a valuable mentoring role to the young team.  He will continue as assistant coach at the Giants in Season 2013.

Melbourne chief executive Cameron Schwab said that McDonald will forever be regarded as a Demon.

“James is one of the great stories of AFL football. He was the final selection in a in rookie draft way back in 1997, when he was recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome.  To retire from the game 16 years later is a great testament to an outstanding character and a great competitor.”

Overall, James McDonald played 264 AFL games and booted 60 goals.