Career
He previously played for and captained the Melbourne Football Club. Nicknamed "Junior", James is the brother of former American Federation of Labor-Congress players Anthony McDonald and Alex McDonald. He is noted as a hard working in and under midfielder.
In addition to this, he is also used as a tagger.
In 1995, McDonald suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome with his VAFA side Old Xaverians. He debuted in the American Federation of Labor-Congress in 1997 with the Melbourne Football Club after being promoted off the Rookie list.
2006
McDonald had one of his most consistent years in 2006, being named on the interchange bench in the All Australian side and the only Demons player to make this list in that year. McDonald also played in the International Rules Series in 2006.
2008
James played his 200th game in a devastating loss to the Western Bulldogs in Round 2.
He was part of the Demons" Leadership Group, along with Cameron Bruce, Russell Robertson, Adem Yze and Brad Miller and was named co captain alongside Bruce in the absence of skipper David Neitz. However, after Neitz announced his retirement, no captain has been selected yet. After the 2008 Home & Away Season, James signed a one year deal to continue playing with Melbourne.
2009
On 11 January, the Herald Sun reported that McDonald would captain the club in 2009.
McDonald kicked his 50th goal in the 2009 season. 2010
McDonald signed another one year extension that would see him to the end of the 2010 season.
He also broke the record for the most games by a Rookie Listed player (238). On 20 August, McDonald announced that he would retire at the end of the end of the 2010 season, saying he felt he could have played on for another year, but that the club came first and the club"s decision was for him to retire at the end of the season.
2011
McDonald played for his old side, Old Xaverians in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, while also working with Greater Western Sydney"s Melbourne-based players in a development role.
At the end of 2011, McDonald signed a one year contract with Greater Western Sydney. During the 2012 season, he was a playing assistant coach for the Giants.
