Young Demon’s dream debut

Perth Demons forward Logan McDonald has described his debut as a dream come true, as the youngster starred in his team’s round one triumph over Peel Thunder.

The 18-year-old, who is widely tipped to be selected in the opening round of this year’s AFL national draft kicked three goals from 16 disposals, best afield in what was his first senior WAFL match.

McDonald told Sports Drive on Tuesday it was a great experience to debut in the red and black.

“It was pretty good. I’ve been working towards that throughout the whole pre-season and set that as my main goal (to debut),” he said.

“It was a pretty special moment. I have been at Perth since I was 14. I’m pretty proud of myself.”

The youngster shared the debut with fellow WA under 18’s teammate in 2019 Regan Clarke, who kicked the winning goal in last year’s carnival.

McDonald kicked his side’s first goal of the match against the Thunder early in the second term, going on to kick two more in a low scoring contest.

“I’ve been dreaming about kicking that first goal for Perth pretty much all week, just visualising it in my head,” he said.

“To finally do it was good, it brought me in to the game a bit and got us going. It’s something I’ll never forget as well.”

McDonald said the guidance and leadership of Fraser McInnes had been crucial in his brief time in the Demons senior setup, the pair sharing six goals between them against the Thunder.

“He’s been enormous. Just signing him has been great for my development but it’s going to be a great signing for the club as well,” he said.

“I’ve just asked him as many questions as possible and been right behind his side. I’m sure he’s getting a bit sick of me asking him all of these questions, but he’s been enormous, and he was huge in the win on the weekend, especially in that last quarter when we needed him. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season with him.”

McDonald’s great uncle Gary played 14 games for St Kilda from 1978-80, while also playing 120 games for Swan Districts, his grandfather Terry also playing for Swans.

Father Darren was also an accomplished country footballer and is host of Pure Footy on Sport FM on Tuesday nights.

McDonald was thankful for the support of his family as he prepares for a hopeful AFL opportunity later this year.

“Dad’s been the one who got me in to footy and been my main coach and role model up to when I was about 15 with football and the last couple of years, he’s taken a back step,” he said.

“He’s been very understanding of that, but he’s been huge. It’s something I’m forever grateful for.”

Despite the excitement of playing league football ahead of this year’s AFL Draft and conversations with prospective AFL club, McDonald is remaining grounded in chasing his dream.

“It’s been a really good start to the year, but I don’t really read too much or listen to much. I just try and stay grounded, I’ve got good people around me. My parents and my family have been really good in not letting me get ahead of myself,” he said.

“There’s still a long way to go till draft day anyway. There’s still plenty of my game to improve.”

The Demons face East Perth at Lathlain Park on Saturday in round two of the WAFL season, but will be without captain Corey Yeo for the rest of the year due to a knee injury suffered at training in the lead up to round one.

IMAGE: Perth FC Facebook.