Charlie Curnow stars in first Sydney Swans hit-out as WA’s Logan McDonald hopes to leave injuries in the past

Newly minted Sydney star Charlie Curnow has laid down an early-season marker, kicking four goals in his first competitive hit-out alongside a resurgent Logan McDonald. Curnow was one of the biggest deals of last year’s trade period, securing his move to the Swans on the final day and hit the ground running in the red and white, helping his new side to a 15.9 (99) to 9.12 (66) win over Western Bulldogs. It took him just 12 minutes to hit the scoreboard, getting on the end of an Errol Gulden kick and putting through a strong finish from 50m. Gulden would also be the supplier for his second major in a combination that had Swans fans purring. “That’s the combination they’ve been talking about all summer; Charlie’s eyes would have lit up just then, a sensational kick from Gulden,” former Swans star Dan Hannebery said on the broadcast. “That’s the combination that all Swans fans and coaches will be licking their lips over. “It’s been a bountiful day for Charlie Curnow ... he’s been fantastic in front of the goals.” Coach Dean Cox would have been just as pleased as what he saw from WA forward Logan McDonald, who has not played since being subbed out of Sydney’s 2024 grand final loss having struggled with injury. The 23-year-old former pick No.4 had two goals in the first half on his way to his own haul of four, forming a formidable duo alongside Curnow. Former Sun Malcolm Rosas Jnr also impressed with two majors in the absence of Tom Papley, who has also struggled with injury over the past 12 months. The Swans have lacked a consistent forward threat, with Isaac Heeney the only current Swan to kick more than 25 goals last year. But a fit McDonald and a hungry Curnow could vault the Swans back into premiership contention on a day that Gulden reminded everyone of his powers with 30 disposals, having broken his ankle last year.