As the AFL pre-season competition rapidly pushes a turbulent cricket season into the background, for the first time in nearly a decade, there is a new figure – who also happens to be a Mates of Melbourne Member - at the helm of the Melbourne Football Club.

Having been part of the side for more than a decade, James McDonald – just settling into the captaincy after being appointed via a player based vote - is at the heart of the Club’s fabric, and a major factor in the creation of its character. McDonald’s story is one of progress and success since his elevation from the rookie list, and his first game, against Collingwood in Round 17, 1997.

McDonald has come a long way since then. Dual Best and Fairest in 2006 and 2007, and with 217 games to his credit, he is ready for the multitude of challenges inherent in leading a young team, and being at the forefront of the Melbourne Football Club. As he says himself, ‘being captain is a little bit more demanding than simply playing and concentrating on you. It’s up to my own development as a person, not as a footballer.’

Everyone involved in Mates of Melbourne wishes ‘Junior’ all the very best as he sets out on the task of leading the team – and the Club, and shares his anticipation for Season 2009 and beyond. As he is readying himself to start ‘setting up this very young side for the future, so that we can create a history to be proud of in seasons to come’, so we join him in that sense of anticipation.

There is no doubt that the challenge ahead is substantial. Nobody realises it more than the captain himself – and nobody welcomes it more. ‘I’m looking forward to helping the young players develop, and seeing their progress over the next year. We know we’ve got a lot of work to do to make up on the rest of the competition.’ This is indeed the case, but with James McDonald in charge, the future is in good hands.