AFL grand final: Harry Taylor eyes off-field success but there’s heartbreak for Logan McDonald

There’s no WA team to barrack for, but there are still local Mid West links at play in Saturday’s AFL grand final, which may decide whether you cheer for the Swans or the Cats. As Geelong prepare for its second grand final appearance in three years, dual premiership defender and Northampton product Harry Taylor may be the key off-field addition to help get the Cats over the line. But there was heartbreak for Sydney young gun Logan McDonald, who played in the Mid West during his junior days, after he was dropped despite playing in their last two finals. After retiring following the 2020 grand final loss to Richmond, Taylor returned home to Northampton and was operations manager for the GNFL in 2021, but was drawn back to Kardinia Park at the end of the year. He was brought on as the head of medical and conditioning services, but has also served as a mentor for the youngsters in the playing group as Geelong’s football department underwent a major overhaul. South Fremantle product Shannon Neale, who made his debut earlier this year, said Taylor has been a big addition to the club. “Harry Taylor coming back this year has been a really big resource for me,” he said. “I do a lot of work with him, and it’s something I’ve really built my game on this year — launching at the footy and taking it at the highest point.” It’s a sentiment shared by young star Sam de Koning who will likely be tasked with shutting down Franklin. “I was just trying to develop my game and work with players like Harry Taylor and I am happy and grateful to get my opportunity this year,” he said. The Cats are eyeing their first flag since 2011 when Taylor was a part of as a key defender, and despite having one of the best win-loss records of the past decade and finishing minor premiers twice this will be just their second grand final appearance since then. McDonald was hoping to make his mark on the field as Sydney look for their first flag since 2012. Football runs in his family’s veins, with his great uncle Ian Cooper being best on the ground in St Kilda’s only premiership in 1966. While born in Dunsborough and boarding at Aquinas, McDonald played for Coorow Latham in his teen years becoming the fourth generation of his family to line up for the Magpies. It has been no easy feat breaking into the Swans’ forward line spearheaded by Franklin and after five games in his first season, 20-year-old McDonald has been a regular fixture this year playing 17 games, including Sydney’s two finals. While not excelling with recent performances, McDonald would have been hopeful of a Grand Final performance with fellow forward Sam Reid in doubt with an adductor injury. However, Reid was named in the side while Hayden McLean was brought in pushing McDonald to the emergency spot with his chances of playing likely hinging on if Reid can make it through the final fitness tests Grand final bouncedown is at 12.30 pm.