Sydney forward Logan McDonald is said to be no certainty to suit up for the Swans' Opening Round clash against Hawthorn due to the ankle issue that hampered the end of his 2024 campaign.

The ailment was one of the main talking points in the build-up to, during, and in the aftermath of Sydney's grand final loss to Brisbane last September, with McDonald given the all-clear to play in the season decider before being subbed out of the eventual 60-point defeat.

McDonald had initially hurt his ankle the week prior in Sydney's preliminary final victory over Port Adelaide, with the issue again forcing him to the sidelines after struggling to have an impact against the Lions.

The injury has continued to limit McDonald since, with the Swans spearhead facing "challenges" in his rehabilitation to still be in recovery.

"Logan's progress from his ankle injury has slowed a bit, unfortunately," Swans football boss Leon Cameron said, per News Corp.ย 

"His rehabilitation from the post-season surgery has had its challenges and has been slower than we would like.

"He will continue to build up his gym and cardio work while he strengthens his ankle."

McDonald managed 37 goals from 26 games for the red and white last year to rank third behind only Joel Amartey and Will Hayward at Sydney.

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Entering his fifth season with the New South Wales side, McDonald will be looking to notch up another career-best campaign in 2025 as the Swans too plan to go a step further under new coach Dean Cox.

McDonald's potential absence for the club's season opener against Hawthorn on Friday, March 7 could see the Swans shuffle their magnets in the front third for Cox's first game as coach.

Star defender Tom McCartin has been training as a forward this summer, but whether that move will be made come the home and away season remains unclear, with the Swans home to Amartey, Hayden McLean and fringe talls Joel Hamling and Aaron Francis.

The Swans will host the Hawks at the SCG to open their 2025 campaign, with matches against Brisbane and Fremantle to follow before a Round 3 bye.