AFL Finals 2024: Logan McDonald faces nervous wait to avoid more grand final agony

Headshot of Jake Santa Maria
Jake Santa Maria
The West Australian
Logan McDonald could miss out on another grand final.
Logan McDonald could miss out on another grand final. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

John Longmire said forward Logan McDonald seemed to be in good spirits despite an ankle injury that threatens more grand final heartbreak for the WA star.

McDonald kicked two goals in the Swans’ 36-point win over Port Adelaide before his night was ended early after being subbed out in the fourth quarter with an ankle complaint.

The Perth product landed awkwardly after a marking contest with Miles Bergman with Longmire saying he was hopeful he would be ok for next week.

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“He’s ok he was just seeing the docs when I left, but he seemed ok himself” Longmire said.

“He rolled it so we’ll see how his ankle pulls up, hopefully, everyone is ready to go.”

McDonald will likely be sent for scans it what will likely be a torturous wait for the 22-year-old as he faces the prospect of missing another grand final.

In 2022 McDonald was dropped on the eve of the grand final despite having played the previous five games and 17 for the season.

In his place came Sam Reid as Longmire rolled the dice on his hamstring concern which backfired after he reinjured it inside the first quarter.

When asked if he would take a risk like that again Longmire was tight-lipped.

“Let’s see how the week progresses, we’re half an hour walking off after a prelim,” he said.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 20: The injured foot of Logan McDonald of the Swans is seen during the 2024 AFL First Preliminary Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Port Adelaide Power at The Sydney Cricket Ground on September 20, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
The injured foot of Logan McDonald. Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

McDonald has kicked 37 goals from 25 games this season with the Swans light-on for ready-made replacements should he not recover in time.

McDonald, Hayden McLean and Joel Amartey have played 74 of a possible 75 games together as a three-pronged attack with likely replacement Peter Ladhams having just one game this season.

The Swans could also be without veteran defender Dane Rampe after he was reported for a high-hit on Zak Butters though the Sydney star will likely get away with a fine.

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