+34
Sydney forward Logan McDonald says playing alongside Charlie Curnow has made him a better player as the Swans prepare for Friday's preliminary final against Fremantle at a sold-out SCG.
Sydney Swans forward Logan McDonald has credited Charlie Curnow with transforming his career as the club prepares for Friday's preliminary final against Fremantle at a sold-out SCG.
McDonald said the arrival of Curnow has changed not only the fortunes of the Swans but also his own career, calling the star recruit a player who makes everyone around him better. I keep trying to tell everyone how good Charlie is, all the attention goes to him, McDonald said. He makes us all walk taller. McDonald has kicked 48 goals this season, including a career-high six in the Swans' shock qualifying final victory over Brisbane.
Curnow kicked five goals in that same win. Curnow's ability to deliver for Sydney has been rewarded with a third Coleman Medal as the AFL's leading goalkicker. McDonald said he values their time together off the field just as much. I am so grateful that the club got him and he is such a good person, McDonald said.
The way he has helped my development and tried to put me in positions to succeed has helped bring the best out of me. McDonald arrived at the Swans from Perth six years ago, cautiously optimistic he could one day be the heir apparent to iconic full forward Lance Franklin. After Franklin's retirement in 2023, McDonald experienced the frustrations of injury and the challenge of delivering on big expectations.
He said playing alongside two of the best forwards ever has been a privilege. I think I am very fortunate to play with two of the best forwards ever, McDonald said. When I came in very young, I was in absolute awe and I just looked up to him. His training standards were as good as I have ever seen.
He trained so hard and even though his body probably did not allow him to at times, he did not let a moment go to waste. While Franklin's mentoring helped the fellow WA forward settle in at the Swans, Curnow's ability to embrace pressure has helped McDonald thrive in the forward line. McDonald missed last season due to an ankle injury sustained in the Swans' 2024 preliminary final victory over Port Adelaide.
In October, the Swans flew American reconditioning specialist Bill Knowles to Sydney to work with McDonald and other injured players. Knowles has worked with Tiger Woods and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning. Last year was obviously tough, there were a lot of unknowns and not a lot of answers, McDonald said. The club were very supportive of me and they got some good people around me to help me get through that.
I have not really had time to reflect, but maybe at the end of the year I will sit back and be pretty proud of where I have come from. Swans coach Dean Cox must decide whether to retain forward Hayden McLean, who kicked three goals in the qualifying final victory over Brisbane, or opt for Joel Amartey, who has recovered from a partial Achilles tendon tear.
McDonald watched Fremantle's 32-point qualifying final loss to Hawthorn but remains cautious about Friday's opponent despite that result. That was probably more of a blip in the radar, McDonald said. They have not had many performances like that for the year, so they have been the clear best team. They are star-studded all across the ground, so we are under no illusions that they are just going to roll over here and give it to us.
We have got to be at our best if we are any chance. The Swans enter the preliminary final after their qualifying final win over Brisbane, while Fremantle must respond from a heavy defeat to Hawthorn. A sold-out SCG will host the clash on Friday.
smh
brisbanetimes:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Logan Mcdonald Charlie Curnow AFL Preliminary Final Fremantle Dockers
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dane Rampe to captain Sydney Swans in AFL preliminary final against FremantleVeteran defender Dane Rampe will replace injured captain Callum Mills and lead Sydney into Friday night's AFL preliminary final against Fremantle at the SCG. His return comes after a season marked by injuries, suspensions and the fallout from the Pullman Hotel incident.
Read more »
Sydney Swans Boost Brownlow Medal Hopes Ahead of Preliminary FinalThe Sydney Swans may gain new supporters as analysts predict three suspended players could poll up to 50 Brownlow votes. Isaac Heeney remains eligible to win but cannot attend the count, while a post-season wages deal still needs negotiation.
Read more »
Sydney Swans Edge Fremantle in AFL Preliminary Final BattleThe Swans narrowly secure a qualifying win over Fremantle, setting the stage for a tense preliminary final clash amid injuries and momentum swings. Despite key absences, Sydney's resilience pushes them towards a grand final opportunity, while Fremantle's quest for a second premiership faces a challenging outback run.
Read more »