The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS are pleased to announce that AFL great, James McDonald will join the club in 2011 as a player mentor.
McDonald will play an integral role in the development of the three GIANTS players based in Melbourne. Tomas Bugg, Tim Golds and Shaun Edwards, who are all currently finishing year 12, will work closely with McDonald to ensure their skills, fitness and development work is all on track. McDonald will also play a pivotal role in ensuring that the welfare needs of the three players are met.
The Melbourne Football Club drafted McDonald with pick number 51 in the 1996 rookie draft. He played 251 games for the Demons and is one of only seven Melbourne players to have played over 250 games for the club. He captained the club from 2008 until his retirement at the end of 2010.
McDonald, who is excited about his new challenge, said that he hoped his background as a captain to a young list would assist him in mentoring the GIANTS players.
“I’ve had some great experience re-building with Melbourne over the last three years so I hope I have something that I can pass on to a few of the young boys with the GIANTS,” McDonald said.
“The biggest challenge for the Melbourne based boys is that they are probably going to feel a little bit isolated and not a part of the group. Hopefully I can send the message on to them that as long as they keep improving their football skills, it shouldn’t put them behind the rest of the playing group.
“I’ve had a good look around the club. It looks very exciting at the moment and it all looks like it’s heading in the right direction,” he said.
“I’ve had a tour of where the boys are living at Breakfast Point. I know from my own experiences that when young blokes come in to the club, if they live together, that’s where they form their friendships and their bonds from a young age.
“They are the friendships that they’ll carry on with them through the rest of their careers. Strategically it’s a really good move,” McDonald said.
Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said that the addition of McDonald would be a huge asset to the developing GIANTS squad, particularly the three Melbourne based players.
“These three boys are in a unique situation and as a club we need to provide them with the best support networks possible. To have someone of James’ experience and calibre available to our players is a terrific result.
“James has a lot to offer all of our players, he has spent a long time in the system and has helped Melbourne rebuild with a young list. His insights and leadership will be second to none and I for one am excited to start working with him.”
McDonald will begin working for the GIANTS in February 2011.
