Swans announce huge twist after insane AFL rumour

The Sydney Swans have put a “wild” rumour to bed with a major announcement just hours after a star’s contract storm erupted.

Sydney’s Logan McDonald celebrates. Pic: Michael Klein.

The Sydney Swans have announced star forward Logan McDonald has re-signed with the club just hours after the AFL rumour mill went into meltdown.

Just a few weeks after reports the Swans had tabled the 19-year-old a four-year contract extension, the situation exploded when rumours emerged a rival club was prepared to offer a 10-year-contract extension.

However, the Swans put the rumour to bed on Tuesday morning, announcing McDonald has signed a two-year extension with the club, locking him in until the end of the 2024 AFL season.

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“The Sydney Swans is the only place I ever wanted to be,” he said in the club’s announcement.

“This is a great club, and I am grateful to be able to commit for another couple of years.

“Ever since I walked through the doors, I’ve loved every minute of it.

“The team is such a close-knit group here. I’ve come from Perth not really knowing anyone in Sydney, but I’ve built a close bond with a lot of the younger boys and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“It’s great to come into this club every day, in this beautiful city, with my best mates and get to work. I think we’re building something really special here. This young group is really driven and motivated and I’m really excited to see where we can take it.”

Earlier, rumours emerged McDonald’s manager Ben Williams told the Swans he had received a monster offer for the No. 4 draft pick.

McDonald had been the only top-end draft selection from the 2020 National Draft who had yet to sign a contract extension beyond the standard two-year rookie contract he first signed.

Journalist Sam Edmund told SEN Breakfast on Tuesday morning the rival clubs rumoured to be interested in McDonald were West Coast and Fremantle.

McDonald was always viewed as a risky recruitment gamble for the Swans with McDonald previously declaring he would have liked to have remained in Western Australia, where his family is.

Logan McDonald of the Swans played in the season-opener. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

“The talk goes that another club is prepared to offer Logan McDonald a 10-year contract on big money,” Edmund said.

“The Swans are telling people they’ve actually been informed by McDonald’s management that another club was willing to table that contract.

“If it exists, you’re looking over at West Coast and Fremantle. He did come with the caveat that he could go home sooner rather than later.

“But he loves it in Sydney, and they’re building something nice as well. They just have to find the right deal.”

SEN reported Williams denied telling the Swans McDonald received interest in a 10-year contract offer.

The rumour was reportedly swirling for weeks.

McDonald is the centre piece in the Swans’ plans to eventually prepare for life without Lance Franklin.

McDonald kicked nine goals in the seven games he played in 2021.

Swans football boss Charlie Gardiner said in the announcement the club believes McDonald has a “bright future” with the club.

“We’re delighted Logan has recommitted to the club,” he said.

“Logan is clearly an exciting talent and has shown the potential to perform at the top level, but it is his work ethic and drive to improve that has impressed us the most. He is a terrific young man with a great attitude, so we know he is going to do everything possible to get the best out of himself and his teammates.

“He has made an excellent start to his AFL career and we’re confident he has a bright future as part of our young forward group.”

Originally published as Swans announce huge twist after insane AFL rumour