The outgoing league president will move to Canada tomorrow, ending his long-running association with the Bulldogs.

McKinnon, 37, donned his cricket whites in Panmure’s 41-run A grade grand final win against Killarney on the weekend.

It was a special moment for the dedicated Bulldog — he started at the club as a teenager in 1991 — as he, Daniel Meade and Wayne Wickenton became 10-time premiership players.

Their teammate Paul Rea played in his 11th flag. 

“In the picture there are 41 premierships between us — it is terrific,” McKinnon said. 

McKinnon said his first taste of grand final success came in 1999-2000 against Yambuk.

“The first one stands out to me in that I was captain and against Mailors Flat seven years ago we were down and out and Nathan Shand and Daniel Meade put on 60 or 70 for the ninth wicket to get us over the line.”

McKinnon had a second stint as GCA president this season.

He said he would take fond memories of his time with the association with him. 

“I think playing in the Grassmere association I have made a lot of mates at different clubs over the years, which is great,” he said.

“It’s a really good social competition. I have loved playing with Panmure.

“I haven’t had any desire or inclination to go somewhere else.”

McKinnon met his Canadian wife Allison while overseas in 2001.

The farmer, who is yet to decide what line of work he’ll do in his new home, said he was unsure if his cricket career would stretch beyond this season.

“There are some Indian, Pakistani and West Indian families in Canada so I am sure there are some small competitions around,” he said. “But I am not sure — I might have to take up golf.”

Rea paid tribute to McKinnon for his contribution to the Bulldogs’ success over a long period of time.

“James has been fantastic for the club and the association and he will be missed around the place,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter how many premierships you win they still mean a lot, and knowing this was James’ last one makes this one special.”

GCA publicity officer and long-time onfield rival Jason Elliot said the association struggled to find a new president for the 2014-15 season after James Sinnott stepped down after three years.

“Everyone had too much on and not enough time.James (McKinnon) was the same but he still put up his hand to make sure we had a successor,” Elliott said.

“He’s just a good association person. He said at the presentations on Sunday he loves the Grassmere Cricket Association and loves Panmure that little bit more.

“It’s probably hard to measure his contribution to the association because he has done so much.”

Elliott said McKinnon was a star on the field.

“He and Steve Gleeson would be the hardest batsmen to get out in my time, which stretches back 20 years,” he said.

“He’s batted at the top of the order and against the best bowlers.”

justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au