Logan McDonald v Aaron Cadman: Lachlan McKirdy examines two of the AFL’s rising tall forwards

Logan McDonald and Aaron Cadman are two of the most exciting forward prospects in the AFL. LACHLAN MCKIRDY examines how the pair is tracking in the infancy of their careers.

Giants Aaron Cadman and Sydney's Logan McDonald at the SCG ahead of the Sydney Derby XXVII between the Sydney Swans and the GWS Giants. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only – **NO ON SALES** – ©Phil Hillyard )

Footy fans in Sydney have long been blessed to be able to call some of the AFL’s best key forwards their own.

The Swans have had legends of the game such as Warwick Capper, Tony Lockett, Barry Hall and Buddy Franklin grace the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground. In more recent times, their cross-town rivals GWS have had the likes of Jeremy Cameron and Coleman Medal-favourite Jesse Hogan leading from the front.

But on Saturday afternoon, two of the most promising talls in the competition will go head-to-head in a battle that could light up the Sydney Derby for the next decade or more.

The Swans’ Logan McDonald and the Giants’ Aaron Cadman have trodden similar paths to get to their standing in the AFL. They were both taken as high, interstate draft picks, McDonald at pick four in 2020 and Cadman at pick one in 2022, with the hope that they would become the key men in the future for their respective clubs.

But despite the relative anonymity afforded to AFL players in Sydney, the pair understand that the city’s love of high-flying and headline-grabbing key forwards means they will always be under the microscope.

Cadman and McDonald both represent the future for the Giants and Swans. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“Obviously I’m aware of the presence that Bud had and the impact he had on Sydney,” McDonald said. “He changed the game up here, and that’s definitely not lost on me, he’s one of the bigger figures to grace the game.

“I understand as a Swan we’ve got a role to play to help impact the game up here and to help grow the game. When footy up here is blossoming, it’s great for not only the state but the country and the competition.”

It’s an enticing prospect for Cadman who has never lacked confidence. The 20-year-old had a slower start in his first season at senior footy, but he’s determined to become a showstopper who can bring fans to their feet.

“I want to be the Buddy Franklin, I want to be the person everyone looks for when they look forward,” Cadman said.

“I’ve got a long way to go. But I think soon enough I can become that player and that competitor to have that presence in the forward line.”

The Giants’ number one draft pick has grown in confidence following an impressive start to 2024. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Cadman will play just his 20th AFL game when he lines up against the Swans this weekend. At the same point in his career, McDonald was only marginally ahead of his Giants’ counterpart on most measures, particularly his score assists.

But while it can often be hard to find compliments for the opposition in a Derby week, both players believe they see resemblances in each other’s game.

“Cads is having a great year and playing some good footy,” McDonald said. “I take note of him and full credit to his start, you can tell he’s going to be a really good player for a long time.”

“I think with Logan, you can tell he’s done the hard work,” Cadman added. “He’s earned his stripes and he’s playing well basically every week now.

“I think for me, that’s going to be someone who I can look to, similar to my journey hopefully, as he’s a crucial part of that Swans side.

“I’ve had a solid start but there’s always room for improvement. That will come in time and getting the experience has been awesome. I’m looking forward to exploding soon and it’s gonna be a big one for me on the weekend. I’m looking to prove myself and see what I can do.”

McDonald has had his best start to a season with 16 goals in seven matches. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Both players know that a sold-out Sydney Derby is the perfect chance to cement their status as the city’s next big tall forward.

The Swans and Giants are flying on the top of the ladder, and they currently have the best two attacks in the competition – “We’d like to have the best attack and defence,” McDonald proclaimed.

And as they continue to become accustomed to the pressure of playing on the biggest stage, it’s clear they have long careers ahead of them to compete for Sydney superiority. McDonald is close to agreeing a new contract to extend his stay at the Swans, while Cadman has already re-signed until at least the end of 2026.

“There’s no better test than the Giants at the moment, they’re probably the best team in the comp,” McDonald said.

“I think the more you experience the crowds, the more you become numb to it in a sense. You just go out there and perform.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of some pretty big games now for this club. I’m still learning, I’m not perfect yet. But it’s experimenting with things during the week that can help me be the best.”

“I’m getting used to the crowds when the majority of the time it’s against us,” Cadman added. “It can be like they’ve got a 19th player, but you become comfortable and that’s a big factor.

“You feel the bit of pressure building from the start of the week. I love the match-up, whether you kick the first or last goal, you celebrate a little bit harder every time.

“If we can get this one it sets us up perfectly for the rest of the year. I think this one will allow us to gain some momentum and know that we can beat the top teams.”

Originally published as Logan McDonald v Aaron Cadman: Lachlan McKirdy examines two of the AFL’s rising tall forwards