Sydney key forward Logan McDonald is set to avoid the repeated heartbreak of missing out on an AFL Grand Final despite an injury cloud lingering over his ankle.
McDonald was omitted from the 2022 decider against Geelong, with Hayden McLean replacing him in the senior side, lining up beside Sam Reid, who was carrying an adductor injury.
Unfortunately for the Swans, Reid's injury reared its ugly head, causing followers to make the case that it was the biggest selection blunder in recent times.
However, coach John Longmire assured fans that McDonald - who was subbed out of the preliminary final win after rolling his ankle - will be ready to go on Saturday, pending the main training session tomorrow.
"Logan was really good today. We expect him to be able to get through training tomorrow and be right to play. He looked good today, which is terrific," Longmire said.
In a positive sign from the Swans, McDonald was not listed in the club's injury update on Tuesday afternoon.
The other selection conundrum surrounds captain Callum Mills, who is attempting to recover from a minor hamstring strain sustained shortly after the qualifying final win over GWS.
Historically, club doctors recommend a minimum of 21 days for the hamstring to heal and regain strength, with Mills potentially running the gauntlet 18 days after the injury.
The Swans skipper was replaced by the versatile Robbie Fox but will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness.
"Callum will train flat out tomorrow โ that's the plan โ he will turn up tomorrow and train at absolute 100 per cent intensity, and we'll see how we go," Longmire said.
"Obviously, got a good relationship with Cal. Speak to him about a number of things all the time; his role for this week, whether he plays or not, and making sure he gives himself a chance tomorrow.
"He trained yesterday and trained really well. That was a good sign (so) we'll see how he goes tomorrow. The aim is to go out there and train 100 per cent."
Mills is officially listed as a test to play this week against the Lions as he continues his recovery.
Heading into his fifth grand final as coach, Longmire admitted that the tough selection calls are never easy but made note of one of the past weeks that paid off in 2012.
"You always learn," Longmire said of the tough decisions he's made in previous grand finals.
"I guess one of those things is to make sure you train at 100 per cent and train flat out.
"In 2012, we played 'Teddy' Richards, and he didn't walk all week, and he had a crook ankle, and we thought, how about playing you on Lance Franklin in the grand final, and he got through okay.
"So those stories are the ones that don't get talked about.
"But those discussions happen every week, no matter what round it is."
