McDonald was left out of the 2022 Grand Final against Geelong, with Hayden McLean stepping in alongside Sam Reid, who was dealing with an adductor injury. Unfortunately for the Swans, Reid’s injury flared up, leading fans to label it one of the biggest selection mistakes in recent memory.
Coach John Longmire reassured fans that McDonald, who was substituted during the preliminary final due to an ankle injury, should be fit to play on Saturday, depending on his performance in the upcoming training session.
“Logan was really good today. We expect him to get through training tomorrow and be ready to play. He looked good, which is terrific,” Longmire stated.
In a positive development, McDonald was not included in the club’s injury update released on Tuesday.
A minor hamstring strain that he suffered soon after the qualifying final against GWS is being treated by captain Callum Mills. Doctors usually advise at least 21 days for a full recovery, but Mills might try to go back to work after just 18 days. Robbie Fox, who is very versatile, took his place, but he will have every opportunity to demonstrate his fitness.
“Tomorrow, Callum is going to train really hard. Longmire stated, “He will be giving it his all, and we will see how it goes.
Mills is officially listed as a test for this week’s game against the Lions as he continues his recovery, having recently trained well.
Though recalling a successful selection from 2012, Longmire acknowledged that difficult selection decisions are always difficult as he gets ready for his fifth Grand Final as coach.
“One can always gain knowledge from difficult choices made in previous Grand Finals,” he said. “We played Ted Richards in 2012; he had an ankle injury, but he was still able to perform well against Lance Franklin.”
Irrespective of the round, Longmire stressed that these conversations regarding player selection and fitness take place each week.
