AFL: Swans forward Logan McDonald turns his back on rival interest to recommit at the Swans

Logan McDonald is a key piece of Sydney’s present and future and the Swans have held off rival interest to re-sign him.

Logan McDonald is sticking around at the Swans until at least the end of the 2024 season. Picture: Getty Images

In-demand Swans forward Logan McDonald is staying in Sydney on a two-year deal – not the four initially proposed – as he bets on himself becoming a star in the near future.

The 19-year-old was touted as the potential No.1 selection in the 2020 AFL draft but eventually slid to the Swans at four, at least in part because there was some fear he would head home to Perth.

But McDonald’s commitment, which followed a suggestion on Monday that an opposition club was willing to table a 10-year offer to him, means Sydney can more comfortably plan for life after Lance Franklin.

It’s understood the rising star quietly agreed to terms about a fortnight ago and there is great confidence he will sign a longer deal after that.

“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,” McDonald said.

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

Logan McDonald promises to be a key piece of Sydney’s long-term future. Picture: Getty Images

“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 … I think we’re building something really special here.”

Essendon trio Nik Cox, Archie Perkins and Zach Reid are now the only top-10 picks from the draft two years ago yet to extend their contract beyond this season.

Only Adelaide key forward Riley Thilthorpe (pick two) and fellow Swan Braeden Campbell (five) signed a three-year extension from that draft crop, with the rest opting for two.

McDonald burst onto the scene with seven goals in his first three games last year but ended up making only seven appearances before being picked for Saturday’s season-opening win over the Giants.

Longmire has consistently mentioned that Sydney was pleased with the teenager’s development and that young key forwards have a steep learning curve.

John Longmire is thrilled to secure Logan McDonald for another two seasons. Picture: Getty Images

McDonald promises to be a key plank in the Swans’ premiership assault in the coming seasons, given the promising talent around him and all across the field.

“It’s terrific to have Logan commit to the club for another couple of years. He’s a quality young bloke,” Longmire said.

“He’s just got an absolute desire to work as hard as he can on his game and be the best player he can be, and we know that that takes time as a younger key forward.

“It takes a bit of time to develop and to grow into your body, so we’ve just got to be patient with him, but we’re really confident that he’s going to be a very good player for this footy club.

“The most important thing is that he’s a really hard worker, which is a great trait to have.”

Originally published as AFL: Swans forward Logan McDonald turns his back on rival interest to recommit at the Swans