Sydney Swans 2024: Logan McDonald re-signing with the club on a four-year extension

The Swans have pulled off an unlikely royal flush after key forward Logan McDonald became the fifth young star to re-sign this year on a four year deal.

Sydney has landed its royal flush with off-contract forward Logan McDonald putting pen to paper on a four-year extension, marking the fifth major re-signing for the club this year.

McDonald was one of five players coming off contract this season, along with Errol Gulden, James Rowbottom, Ollie Florent and Will Hayward.

Initially, there was scepticism the Swans would be able to secure the services of all five, with plenty of interest from rival clubs. However, McDonald’s signature on Friday rubberstamps one of the Swans’ best recruitment stretches in their history.

Many felt the 22-year-old would be tempted by a deal to return home to Western Australia with either the Dockers or Eagles, while Collingwood also reportedly showed interest in the key forward.

Logan McDonald has re-signed with the Swans on a four-year extension. Picture: Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/Getty Images

And while it took a bit longer to get the deal done, McDonald always looked like remaining in Sydney and he joins Gulden in signing a deal that will take him through to free agency at the end of 2028.

“Absolutely rapt to stay here in the red and white, this place is like my second home,” McDonald said. “I’ve been here for four years now and stoked to be here for another four.

“My teammates are my best mates and the people I live with and see every day, they’re my second family. The exciting position the list is in at the moment, I just want to compete, win games and hopefully win some premierships.

“There’s no substitute for happiness. I’m so happy here with the people around me at this footy club, and I don’t think any amount of money could make me leave that so im so grateful for the opportunity to stay here.”

McDonald is the latest player to potentially sacrifice the value of his deal to stay in Sydney, putting his faith in the team that is currently building at the Swans.

After being selected with the fourth pick of the 2020 draft, McDonald has kicked 78 goals in 59 games and has proven to be the future of the Swans’ forward line.

He found himself in the spotlight last weekend after missing a kick after the siren to potentially deliver Sydney a dramatic win over the Dockers. It was one of the more testing moments of his career, but coach John Longmire delivered a strong endorsement of his character earlier this week.

Despite the result, the club has always seen McDonald as integral to their plans going forward.

“Logan is an extremely popular member of the playing group and we are please he’s decided to stay with the Swans,” GM of footy Leon Cameron said.

Dejected Sydney's Logan McDonald leaves the field after the Swans’ one point loss to Fremantle. Picture: Brett Costello

“We have to remember he’s only 22-years old and he has a lot of development to go, but we feel he has all the attributes to be one of the league’s best key forwards.

“As we plan for the future, we see Logan as an extremely important member of the group, and we’re excited to see him hone his craft in the next few seasons.”

The Swans will now turn their attention to 2025 and beyond, with Chad Warner the name on everyone’s lips. The talented midfielder has already put off talks this season with another 18 months to run on his contract, but there is undoubtedly interest in Western Australia to get the 23-year-old to return home.

At this stage, veteran Harry Cunningham is the only other regular member of the Swans’ best 23 currently off-contract for next season.

Originally published as Sydney Swans 2024: Logan McDonald re-signing with the club on a four-year extension