Sydney is willing to give forward prodigy Logan McDonald a four-year extension as it plans for life after superstar Lance Franklin.
News Corp reported in February that McDonald was the sole top-six pick from the 2020 AFL draft yet to re-sign beyond his automatic two-year rookie contract.
The No.7 selection that year, Gold Coast’s Elijah Hollands, has since also inked a two-year deal, meaning McDonald and Essendon xjmtzywtrio Nik Cox, Archie Perkins and Zach Reid are the only top-10 picks still to re-commit.
Adelaide key forward Riley Thilthorpe (pick two) and sweet-kicking Swan Braeden Campbell (five) agreed to new contracts until the end of the 2025 season but McDonald’s offer trumps them both.
Sydney’s bold bid to retain the West Australian even took McDonald’s agent, Ben Williams, of Players Ink, by surprise, as seen in Stan’s new documentary, , released on March 10.
But McDonald, who kicked nine goals in seven games in his debut season, and Williams appear underwhelmed at the potential remuneration in an off-season discussion that includes McDonald’s father, Darren.
Williams described the proposal as “probably not what we were expecting”, which McDonald, 19, agreed with then followed up with: “I don’t think it’s a bad offer.”
“The Swans are very keen to extend Logan,” Williams said.
“It’s quite unusual to get a four-year offer as your first extension, but we believe we know where he’s going to get to and it’s my job to make sure that he’s locked in for the right price for that.
“It’s really good in the sense you’ve got some security should you take it, but you’ve got to figure out how much better you’re going to get, because you don’t necessarily want to be locked in for four years if you’re going to do this.
“Because if he signs a deal, then he outperforms that contract by a lot, that’s my worst nightmare.”
The Crows bid on Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy prospect Jamarra Ugle-Hagan at No.1 in McDonald’s draft class before nabbing local product Thilthorpe.
But they did contemplate picking McDonald, with at least part of their decision to overlook him believed to be because there was some fear he would return to WA at some point.
“We’ll keep talking to the Swans and being a gun key forward – they don’t come around too often – they’re always in demand,” Williams said.
“The two clubs in WA need that sort of player as well, so Logan will always have the option to go home should he choose to.”
Williams believes McDonald is in “a great spot”, given Franklin just turned 35 and is entering the final season of his nine-year megadeal.
But a fascinating conversation followed between player and agent, starting with Williams asking the No.4 draft pick how many games he expected to play in 2022.
McDonald: “Hopefully 20, but I think my position in the team’s a tricky one, because I don’t ruck and ‘Bud’ (Franklin)’s there.”
Williams: “No, you’re in a good position there, Loges. You’re happy there?”
McDonald: “Yeah, I’m happy. Very happy.”
Williams: “We’re planning on you being the No.1 (forward) but does that happen next year, or does it happen the year after?”
