After taking an ankle concern into Sydney's dismal 2024 grand final loss, McDonald touched the ball just once after re-injuring the joint before halftime.
The 23-year-old was subsequently ruled out of the following season in a year pockmarked by various injuries.
So it would only make sense that McDonald was chasing redemption on the finals stage when the Swans welcomed the reigning back-to-back premiers to the SCG on Saturday.
But the flying key forward can't say his career-best six-goal haul feels like a full-circle moment, only because 2024 "feels like an eternity ago".
McDonald helped rally the Swans to a 53-point qualifying final victory on Saturday after captain Callum Mills went down with a suspected ACL injury in the first quarter.
The Swans are already without vice-captain Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Nick Blakey, who are among five players serving club-imposed suspensions.
"I'm rapt to win. I'm rapt to have a home preliminary final," McDonald said.
"I'm so very proud of the people in this club. It's been tough the last couple of weeks.
"It (2024) feels like an eternity ago. We didn't speak about that at all last week.Â
"We're a different side. They're a different side. It was good to get one back over them."
Brisbane had deployed all-conquering defender Harris Andrews, but McDonald appeared unbothered as he reached career-best heights.
McDonald credited Charlie Curnow's impact at the Swans in helping him make up for lost time.
Curnow, who joined Sydney from Carlton last year and is playing in just his second finals series, matched livewire forward Tom Papley with five majors on Saturday.
"I've loved playing with Charlie. He makes my job so much easier," McDonald said.
"When you've got the whole defence worried about one player, I find myself in a lot of space.
"Honestly, full credit to Charlie."
Fellow tall Hayden McLean finished with three goals, meaning Sydney coach Dean Cox has a tough choice to make, with Joel Amartey nearing full fitness.
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