Sydney Swans emerging key forward Logan McDonald is the Round 12 NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee.
The 20-year-old produced an outstanding performance against the top-of-the-table Melbourne at the MCG, booting 3 goals and finishing with 16 disposals in the Swans thrilling 12-point victory.
“It’s a good achievement (to earn a Rising Star nomination),” says McDonald.
“My progression is showing, I guess. But having a good win over a good side on a big stage is probably more pleasing. I’m building trust from my teammates that I can step up and play my role in the big games, which is really pleasing.
“It’s always great to influence the game and help the team, whether that's getting up the ground or kicking goals and putting a score on the board. I think I've got a variety of ways I can impact, but it was good to get on the end of a couple of goals.
“Macca’ (Jarrad McVeigh) tells me to back myself, and for me personally I just want to get into as many contests as I can in a game," McDonald added.
"I’ve been working really hard on my body work and having that aerial presence to assist the others in the forward line. My work rate is something I really pride myself on and it’s the staple to my game.
"If I can bring that every week, I like to think that’s how I can break my opponent in the air and on the ground so if I can keep doing that and having some influence the game it’s great.”
The Swans drafted the highly touted Logan McDonald with their fourth overall pick in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft.
Recruited from Perth Football Club, McDonald enjoyed a breakout season in the WAFL, proving he is more than capable of handling senior level footy with 21 goals in just nine appearances to finish as the club's leading goal scorer.
After enjoying a strong pre-season upon his arrival at the Swans, John Longmire handed McDonald his AFL debut in Round 1 of the 2021 season, where he kicked three goals in the club's emphatic victory over Brisbane Lions.
Since then, the McDonald has kicked 19 goals from his 16 appearances in the red and white.
In March of the 2022 season, the West Australian further cemented his ties to the club, inking a two-year contract extension to see him remain a Swan until at least the end of the 2024 season.
“It’s great to come into this club every day, in this beautiful city, with my best mates and get to work,” says McDonald.
“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.”
