McDonald keen to stay a Swan ahead of contract talks

The Swans are on a mission to put players' pens to paper and, after locking in the services of Errol Gulden and James Rowbottom, it's McDonald who looks primed to ink up next.

Rival clubs, including from his home state, are keen to swoop on the out-of-contract forward, but McDonald has made up his mind to stay in Sydney.

"It (Sydney) is not too dissimilar, I call it Perth on steroids, but I've loved my time here," McDonald said on Thursday.

"Ever since I've stepped foot in here, the club's been so welcoming to me and my family. They've put a lot of time in my development and helping me become the player that I am today.

"I've got a lot of growth to do and I'm just trying to repay them with my faith.

"I'll just leave the contract stuff with my manager and the club to work through."

Working with retired superstar Lance Franklin, McDonald has blossomed into a powerhouse goalscorer this season, leading the club with 11 goals across the opening five games.

The 22-year-old has kicked a career total of 67 majors across 49 games since being drafted with pick No.4 in 2020.

Midfield bulls Gulden and Rowbottom have elected to stay with the Swans, both inking a four-year deal this month, while free agents Ollie Florent and Will Hayward are in negotiations for long-term extensions.

"It's smart of the club to lock them away. We've got a lot of talent in the room," McDonald said.

"We're all close mates and we love spending time together at the club each day. It's as simple as that.

"We want to stay together. As long as we try to stay together for as long as we can, we think that's going to translate best to performance on the field."

McDonald will play his 50th AFL game when the Swans take on Gold Coast on Sunday.

Asked where he thinks he'll be after another 50 games, McDonald is bullish about reaching the sport's pinnacle with the club.

"Hopefully, I've got a couple premiership medallions around my neck. That'd be nice," he said.

Australian Associated Press