Logan McDonald Biography

After a career-best game in the Swans' elimination final defeat of Brisbane, Logan McDonald, who kicked six goals, speaks of a grueling 12-month nightmare dealing with injuries.

What started as a severe syndesmosis injury turned into a 12-month nightmare for the young key forward. An adverse reaction to the initial surgery turned into in a rare condition called heterotopic ossification, with a spiral bone developing in between his tibia and fibula that became the joint between the two.

It led to stress fractures, countless visits to specialists and surgeons, and ultimately sidelined McDonald for an entire season. The fact that it happened right when the youngster was starting to find his feet at AFL level, having kicked 32 and then 37 goals in his third and fourth years respectively, added to the frustration.

"It was pretty shattering," McDonald says.

"There were no real answers, that was the toughest thing about it. It was a unique injury and it kept producing setbacks. There were no black or white answers and it made it really hard to get myself up to keep pushing.

"It was tough as well, considering it was off the back of the Grand Final. We'd got so close to reaching the goal of everyone that plays footy in winning a premiership, then all of a sudden I was out for a whole year."

Logan McDonald has experienced a setback in his recovery from an ankle injury suffered during the Swans' preliminary final, with no clear timeline on when he will return to full training.

Logan McDonald signs a new four-year deal with Sydney to remain at the club until the end of 2028 despite reported interest from Fremantle and Hawthorn.

"Absolutely rapt to stay here in the red and white, this place is like my second home. I've been here for four years now and stoked to be here for another four," McDonald said.

"My teammates are my best mates and the people I live with and see every day, they're my second family. The exciting position the list is in at the moment, I just want to compete win games and hopefully win some premierships.

"There's no substitute for happiness. I'm so happy here with the people around me at this footy club, and I don't think any amount of money could make me leave that so I'm so grateful for the opportunity to stay here."

Uncontracted Swan Logan McDonald says he wants to remain in Sydney despite the interest of several clubs.

"It (Sydney) is not too dissimilar - I call it Perth on steroids. I've loved my time here," McDonald said.

"I'm happy here. Ever since I've stepped foot in here, the club's been so welcoming to me and my family. They've put a lot of time in my development and helping me become the player that I am today.

"I've got a lot of growth to do and I'm just trying to repay them with my faith."

Logan McDonald says his close bond with superstar Lance Franklin has helped him develop into his forward role.

"Bud, he's helped me so much. Even on the weekend he just watched me and my game and came down in the breaks and helped me, told me what he thought," McDonald said.

"He's been so good for me as a mentor, and I just love playing with him and training with him."

Logan McDonald is omitted from the Swans 2022 Grand Final side.

McDonald has played 17 games in his second season since being selected with pick No.4 in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft, but the West Australian has only kicked five goals in his past eight games and struggled to make an impact during this finals series.

"It's not easy, I've been on the other side of that conversation as a player. It's not an easy thing to do," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"He is a terrific young player with a great future ahead of him. We made the decision because we thought that was the best line-up for tomorrow. Very tough for him, but he's a great kid and he will bounce back bigger and better."

Logan McDonald is the AFL Rising Star nominee for round 12 of 2022 after collecting 16 disposals and taking five marks to go with three goals and nine score involvements in the Swans' upset win over Melbourne.

"I’m building trust from my teammates that I can step up and play my role in the big games, which is really pleasing," McDonald said.

"It’s always great to influence the game and help the team, whether that's getting up the ground or kicking goals and putting a score on the board. I think I've got a variety of ways I can impact, but it was good to get on the end of a couple of goals."

Logan McDonald signs a two-year contract extension, committing him to Sydney until at least the end of the 2024 season.

"The Sydney Swans is the only place I ever wanted to be. This is a great club, and I am grateful to be able to commit for another couple of years," he said.

Logan McDonald makes his AFL debut for Sydney at the Gabba with 11 disposals (9 kicks and 2 handballs), 5 marks and 3 goals in a 31-point win over Brisbane.

Sydney select Logan McDonald with pick No.4 in the 2020 National Draft.