WHEN asked what his most cherished moment was at the Melbourne Football Club, since debuting in 1997, dual Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy winner James McDonald didn't hesitate in nominating the 2000 season.
On face value that wouldn't surprise many as Melbourne made the Grand Final.
But considering McDonald injured his knee against St Kilda in round 19 that year and he subsequently missed Melbourne's finals campaign - meaning he missed playing in just the club's second Grand Final since 1964 - indicates the selflessness of the man.
"The 2000 year was pretty special, even though I did my knee in 2000, but just to be involved in the club that year - the boys won 10 out of our last 11 before reaching Grand Final," McDonald told melbournefc.com.au.
"We couldn't do a thing wrong, until we obviously made the Grand Final, but that was pretty special."
That sums up McDonald - one of the most respected players at Melbourne and in the competition. To actually get him to speak about himself can take some prompting, which is no surprise considering his humility.
"Personally, getting in the All-Australian team [in 2006] was pretty special for me because it was something I didn't think would ever be possible, but to be able to get in the team with all of those great players was pretty good," McDonald said.
This Saturday against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG, McDonald will add to his accolades when he becomes the 22nd red and blue player to play 200 matches for the Dees. It is a milestone he is proud to reach.
"You go through various stages throughout your career and when you get to 50 games, you're happy with that and when you get to 100 games you're happy again, but I thought if I could stay on the list for five years I'd be pretty happy," McDonald said.
"To achieve 200 games has exceeded my expectations. I haven't got there the conventional way coming through the amateurs and I was a little bit of a late starter, so it hasn't all been smooth sailing. I've had one knee reco and apart from that I haven't missed too many games so I've been pretty lucky in that regard.
"It's been a good effort in being able to stay in the game that long, because a lot of players don't get the opportunity to stay on the list that long - this is my 12th season … so it's been a good achievement, but playing in finals is what really excites you."
McDonald, who has played the best football of his career over the past two seasons, said consistency had been the key over these two seasons, which had resulted in two best and fairest awards.
"In the past I've been able to play some good footy, but not consistently and that was a bit of a focus. In 2006 I got into some form and I didn't want to get out of form. Mentally it's a bit of a challenge every week but in the end it's pretty rewarding," McDonald said.
