Logan McDonald marked his return to the AFL finals with a career-best finals haul, kicking six goals as the Sydney Swans overwhelmed Brisbane Lions by 53 points at the SCG.
The forward, who missed the entire 2025 season with an ankle injury, was at the heart of Sydney’s 21.15 (141) to 13.10 (88) qualifying-final victory on Saturday.
McDonald struck twice in the opening quarter and added another goal before half-time as the Swans established a 30-point advantage. He continued to trouble Brisbane’s defence after the interval, reaching six majors in a dominant display.
His performance formed part of a devastating attacking effort from Sydney, with Charlie Curnow and Tom Papley also booting five goals apiece. Hayden McLean contributed three as the Swans repeatedly exposed the Lions inside their forward 50.
The result secured Sydney a week off and a home preliminary final in two weeks’ time. The Swans will face either Fremantle or Geelong for a place in the AFL grand final.
McDonald’s comeback has been a gradual one after the ankle problem first affected him during Sydney’s 2024 finals campaign. His return to the biggest stage ended with a performance that underlined his importance to a Swans side now two wins from the premiership.
Sydney’s victory came despite losing captain Callum Mills to a knee injury in the opening quarter and entering the match without five players suspended by the club. The Swans dominated territory, recording 69 inside-50 entries to Brisbane’s 52.
