AFL 2024: Logan McDonald talks AFL rise, his future in Sydney

Logan McDonald might joke with coach John Longmire that he used to play against ‘plumbers and tradies’. But the former Coleman Medal winner has become a key mentor for the rising Sydney star, writes LACHLAN McKIRDY.

Logan McDonald is loving life at the Swans and isn’t planning on leaving anytime soon. Picture: Phil Hillyard

A coffee with John Longmire has proven to be a valuable asset for the Swans in recent weeks.

The Sydney coach sat down with superstar Errol Gulden leading up to his new contract to talk through his future. It provided the midfielder with the reassurance that staying with the Swans was the right decision for his career.

This time, the latest beneficiary from a chat with ‘Horse’ is Gulden’s teammate and fellow 2020 draftee, Logan McDonald.

While there have been some long-term discussions over lattes for the off-contract forward, McDonald has found himself more focused on leaning into Longmire’s words of wisdom.

Already in his fourth season in the AFL, McDonald has had the luxury of some great mentors, including the legendary Lance Franklin. But they don’t come more knowledgeable than a premiership and Coleman medal-winning forward in Longmire.

McDonald has found himself more regularly turning to Longmire for advice as a fellow forward. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I’ve started to sit down with Horse a lot more over the past few weeks,” McDonald said. “Him being a key forward in the past has really helped me fast-track my development as quickly as we can.

“I’ve definitely been leaning on him in that regard of the game. But he’s there for anything I need. He’s been around the game for a long time and seen a lot of things. So anything that I have, whether it’s footy or not footy.”

Despite his accolades, McDonald couldn’t help but confirm that Longmire still finds himself the butt of some jokes at training.

“We never pull up his (highlight) clips but we always get into him that he was playing against plumbers and tradies in the day,” McDonald said.

“He wouldn’t be able to scrap around in our day and age, so we always get into him.”

It’s indicative of McDonald’s confidence that he is now so comfortable talking about footy. He is the new leader of the Swans’ forward line and is living up to that tag in every sense of the word.

Sunday’s clash against Gold Coast will mark his 50th game in the AFL and he has already placed himself among the top of echelon of Sydney forwards.

If he kicks one goal against the Suns, McDonald will only be behind Adam Goodes for the most goals by a player in their first 50 matches at the club.

“I think (the Swans) have played a big part in my development by getting a lot of games into me early and getting to 50 so quick,” McDonald said.

“I’ve been a part of some good teams and some great moments already in my young career and can’t wait for a few more.

“I’m just trying to get better every day and be a part of a forward line that helps kick scores. Working alongside Hayden (McLean) and Joel (Amartey) and creating that potent threat.

“I’m trying to be my own player, develop at my own time and become as good as I can. It makes us dangerous that we don’t know who is going to kick the goals each week … I think that makes us hard to defend.”

McDonald is the leading goal-kicker for the Swans this season with 11 in five games. Picture: James Elsby/Getty Images

There has been a lot of talk that McDonald could be tempted to cut short his stay in Sydney at the end of this season to return home to Perth.

The WA product has been closely courted, particularly by Fremantle, to see if there’s any interest in making the trip back west.

But it’s clear the 21-year-old has no intentions of leaving Sydney – “It’s not too dissimilar, it’s like Perth but on steroids a bit,” he said. His manager, who he shares with Gulden, also recently confirmed that contract negotiations are well progressed.

The fact the club is on such a positive trajectory and is set to compete regularly for premierships over the next few years makes it an even more enticing prospect. And he’s keen to match Longmire and have at least one medal around his neck over the next few years.

The potential of the Swans’ young list has McDonald dreaming of premiership glory in the years to come. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I’ve got a lot of growth to do and I’m just trying to repay the faith,” McDonald said. “I’m happy where I am … I’m trying to focus on playing my role and contributing as much as I can.

“It was good that the club was able to lock away Errol last week and we know he’s such an important player for the future of this club. We’re a young group and it’s so exciting, we’ve got a lot of talent in the room and I think it’s gonna be a good future to come.

“I just love being here with my mates. All my best mates are at this club and we’ve got such a great mix … as long as we can try and stay together as long as we can, we think that’s going to translate best to performance on the field.

“Hopefully (in the future) I’ll have a couple of premiership medallions around my neck. That’d be nice and that’s why we all play footy.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Logan McDonald talks AFL rise, his future in Sydney