Logan McDonald could go at pick No.1 in this year's draft.Credit: Getty Images
Prospective No.1 draft selection Logan McDonald has vowed to "repay the faith" of whichever club drafts him in a fortnight's time as he tries to enjoy the simpler things in life ahead of a likely departure from Western Australia.
The Perth tall forward says he has noticed his life changing in recent weeks ahead of his impending selection inside the first couple of picks of the national draft.
Adelaide hold pick No.1, with North Melbourne, Sydney, Hawthorn and Gold Coast to follow, meaning it is almost impossible for him to remain in Perth.
As such, McDonald is trying to soak in time with family and friends, even having a hit for Swanbourne Cricket Club.
"I used to be an opening bowler, but I haven't bowled for a couple of years because I don't want to get injured, so I've just been batting," McDonald said this week.
"I got run out for 48 the other week. It's about as frustrating a game as you can get. But it's been good fun."
He said he was being identified more around town but that those closest to him – including parents Darren and Victoria, twin brother Riley and younger brother Connor – have been providing the support he needs.
"It's just starting to feel real, the last couple of days. It's a really exciting time for me and my family. I've got good people around me, my family and friends that keep me grounded," McDonald said.
"You get more looks. More people are talking about you, I guess, when you go out.
"But nothing's changed at home or when I'm out with mates. We just stay grounded and keep working hard.
"I'm just enjoying potentially the last couple of weeks home with family and friends. Just going out with mates, playing golf and things like that, going to the beach. Really enjoying this time and being close to the people that have helped me along the way and people that I'm really grateful for."
Inevitably, concerns arise as to whether the 196-centimetre McDonald would be a flight risk for a non-WA club, but McDonald said he had got his head around a shift from Perth and would want to reward the club that takes him.
"If I do have to move away I'll miss them, but it's also an exciting opportunity to get out of home and follow my dream," he said.
"I've been really open to moving out. If a team gives me an opportunity then I'll look to repay the faith."
McDonald had been kept occupied until last week by his finance and property studies at Curtin University, which he said had kept him thinking about footy too much.
He is a self-professed "sport head" – his heroes include NBA stars LeBron James and Damian Lillard, and tennis great Rafael Nadal.
Perhaps most of all he idolises Scott Pendlebury. McDonald comes from a family of Swan Districts fans who chose to support Collingwood in the VFL because they also wore black and white. When West Coast entered the VFL, most of the family switched to the Eagles, but Darren stuck with Collingwood, which is why Logan is a Magpies fan.
In this unconventional year, he isn't sure what he will be doing on draft night. He said he watched the NBA draft last week, also held remotely, and liked the way it was run with cameras and microphones in leading prospects' houses.
"I'll probably just have it at home with some close friends and family. We'll just see what happens."