MELBOURNE co-captain James McDonald is set to play on in 2009 after signing a new one-year deal.

McDonald, 31, who won the Demons' best and fairest award, the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy, in 2006 and 2007, will line up for his 13th AFL season next year.

"I am delighted to have re-signed with Melbourne and am looking forward to continuing my career here at the club," he said on Tuesday.

"We're heading in the right direction and I realise that I have a role to play as an individual in the team and as a player that can assist and help develop the young list that we have."

McDonald joined Melbourne through the first AFL Rookie Draft in 1997 and has played 212 matches and kicked 49 goals.

He debuted in 1997, and had his finest year in 2006 when he won his first Melbourne best-and-fairest award, achieved All-Australian selection, represented Australia in International Rules and was recognised with club life membership.

'Junior' is the youngest of three McDonald brothers to play in the AFL, with Alex representing Hawthorn and Collingwood and Anthony playing with the Demons.