AFL veteran James McDonald retires
By Will Dempsey
James McDonald has officially drawn end to his illustrious 264 game AFL career with the Melbourne Demons and Greater Western Sydney GIANTS.
McDonald joined the GIANTS at the end of last season acting as a playing assistant coach after 251 games for Melbourne.
McDonald pick number 51 in 1996 rookie draft captained the Demons in 2009-10, won the clubs best and fairest consecutively in 2006-7 and was a member of the 2006 All Australian team.
Delisted by Melbourne at the end of 2010, he spent a year playing for the Old Xaverians before he returned to senior football in 2012 playing 13 games for the GIANTS.
McDonald was known as a relentless on-baller, was attracted by the prospect at the GIANT to work under Kevin Sheedy and Mark Williams with stacked young list of talent.
GIANTS General Manager Graeme Allan said that McDonald has made an important on field contribution during the GIANTS’ inaugural year in the AFL
“James’ experience, leadership and on-field presence have been invaluable to our young playing group and he has shown everyone that he still had good football left in him,” Allan said.
“We now look forward to him becoming a full-time assistant coach next year and further developing our young playing list.”
Allan confirmed that Chad Cornes will play on in 2013 but said the playing futures of Luke Power and Dean Brogan are yet to be confirmed.
The GIANTS have also informed Stephen Clifton and Tim Segrave that they have been delisted. Recruited from North Ballarat, Clifton played five games for the GIANTS in 2012.
Recruited from Albury, Segrave was a 2011 NSW-ACT Zone selection player who did not play a senior game for the GIANTS.
“These are always difficult decisions but particularly so in the cases of outstanding young men like Steve and Tim who have been great people to have around our club,” Allan said.
“They were part of the inaugural playing list of the GIANTS and will always have a special place in the history of this club and we wish them every success for the future.”
All players will attend tomorrow night’s inaugural Kevin Sheedy Medal presentation to honor the GIANTS club champion for 2012.
