James McDonald

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

In July, former Demon Brock McLean (now with Carlton), appeared on a Melbourne football show and inferred that the Demons had deliberately lost games in 2009 to gain

The following is the time line for the the Grand Final day events including key times for match and TV related activities.   All times are listed first in Australian AEST and then in US EDT.  This is based on information from the AFL, AFANA, press reports and past history. This story will be periodically updated with late information.  (Revised 9/28/12)

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

300 games: Jude Bolton (SYD) will play his 300th game this weekend in the Preliminary Final, making him the third player in club history to reach 300 games, joining Adam Goodes (317 games since 1999) and Michael O’Loughlin (303 games, 1995-2009).

Most Club Finals: Adam Goodes and

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

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Demon veteran Brad Green has announced his retirement effective at the end of the season. Although Green felt he could go on for a 14th season, he said he would step aside to give younger players a chance. When telling his teammates of his decision, he urged them to "step up" to help the club become successful. He said his only regret was not having more Finals success. He played in the losing 2000 Grand Final against Essendon in his debut season. The club has not seen Finals action since 2006. He also reminded the playing group of how tough and uncompromising the AFL could be saying, "Gone are the days when you can be happy just to be on an AFL list. It's time this club and the players really need to stand up and buy in to where Neeldy wants to take it."

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

After a stellar career with the Melbourne Demons 1998-2010, Bruce was sidelined for most of 2011 due to a shoulder injury and later a knee injury. Now a back problem, which has been plaguing him for several months, has forced him to retire, with doctors telling him he could risk further damage if he continued to play. Since joining the Hawks he managed just 10 games. Bruce, 32, will remain with the Hawks to assist with coaching and leadership duties this season. He is already considering a career as a development coach.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Dean Cox (WCE) played his 239th game in Round 13. This puts him fourth on the list for most games by a player who was originally rookie-listed.

Demon captain James McDonald has announced that he will retire after Melbourne's Round 22 game. It was a mutual decision reached between McDonald, Coach Dean Bailey and club president Jim Stynes. McDonald said he felt he could have gone on for another season but that he was comfortable with the club's decision to give younger players more game time.

Round 21 represents the 550th game for Bulldog Coach Rodney Eade as a player or coach. Eade played 229 games with Hawthorn and 30 games for the Brisbane Bears. He coached Sydney in 152 games before joining the Bulldogs. Eade becomes just the 13th person in the history of the League to reach this mark.

FREMANTLE
Michael Barlow, broken leg, season
Greg Broughton, hamstring, 1 week
Antoni Grover, hamstring, 1-2 weeks
Chris Mayne, ankle, 1 week