by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
James McDonald has retired. McDonald played 251 games with Melbourne 1997-2010. He was drafted by the Demons as a rookie and elevated to the senior list the same year. After being delisted by the Demons in 2010, he played for Old Xavierians in the VFA for one season before returning to AFL level via the 2011 draft. He was drafted by the Giants who believed his experience would be beneficial to the young playing list. During his time at the Giants, he was also a part-time assistant coach. He will now take up the assistant role full-time.
After David Neitz retired in 2009, McDonald was appointed captain. He skippered the team 2009-2010. He won the club's best and fairest award 2006-2007 and was runner-up in 2003. In 2006, he played in the International Rules Series and was named All-Australian.
The Giants general manager Graeme Allan said McDonald's experience, on-field presence and leadership had been invaluable, showing that "... he still had good football left in him." He also said the club was looking forward to McDonald working to continue developing the playing list.
Source: Jessica Ries, Club Media Release
Lions' veteran Amon Buchanan has announced his retirement. Although the Brisbane Lions' season is over, Buchanan will continue playing in the reserves team which has a chance for the NEAFL premiership. Buchanan, 29, informed his teammates earlier this month and was honored at the club's awards dinner last week.Despite managing just one game this year, as a substitute in Round 23 against the Bulldogs, he was widely regarded by teammates, past and present, as a hard, attacking midfielder who provided much-needed grunt and aggression to his team. General manager Dean Warren praised Buchanan's contribution saying he had made a significant impact at the club and has been "... a terrific servant ... and in particular as a mentor to our younger brigade ... His commitment ... and his contribution towards the development of our young players has been invaluable".
Buchanan played with Sydney 2002-2009, then was traded to the Lions at the end of 2009. He was an integral part of the Swans Grand Finals in 2005-2006. In 2011, he was the first Lion to be listed as a substitute in Round 1 against Fremantle.
AMON BUCHANAN
Honors: International Rules 2005, Premiership 2005
Article last changed on Monday, September 24, 2012 - 1:59 AM EDT
