Kieran Jack

[TheWhiteRhino]

I frequently see Kieran Jack's name pop up in the "3 Things In Learnt" match reviews and thought it was about time to recognise his achievements with his own thread.

What an amazing season he is having - his career best IMO.

Some would have forgiven Jack for having a little bit of a down year, given he was appointed co-captain in the offseason and had to take on wider responsibilities for the team outside of his own individual performances.

In fact, the opposite has been the case. He's clearly thrived on the new position and has taken his game to a whole new level, standing up when it has counted and leading from the front.

After his weekend's performance, I'd be surprised if he didn't overtake Ablett in the AFLCA voting - perhaps the clearest acknowledgement of how consistently well he has played this season.

Although Hannners gets a lot of the headlines, Jack also wouldn't be too far off Ablett in Brownlow voting. In just the last 3 weeks, he has foreseeably picked up 11 votes.

His stats also bear out the incredible season he is having:

- 10th in disposals
- 1st in tackles
- 2nd in inside 50s
- 2nd in goal assists

All credit to how hard he's worked and where he's come from.

Here's hoping that his form continues through to the end of the season and into the finals.

 

[grimlock]

He has overtaken GAJ the votes are up on the AFLCA site

 

[grimlock]

http://bit.ly/13BrW06

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

Yep, just loving his work.

I also want to make the case that he's brought some of his Rugby League heritage to the game. He's said that dad Garry jokingly advises him to "chip it over the top" more often, but you actually see him do that quite a bit (although not usually back to his own possession, but he does seem to spot the short targets more than a lot of other players do. There was a gorgeous little delivery from the centre to Tippett on the 50m arc in the last quarter on Sunday). Combine that with the little steps that are a characteristic of his playing style, which look very Rugby League to me, plus the fact that he wouldn't have needed to be taught that the Swans put a high emphasis on tackling, and I think it's a reasonable theory that he's brought something entirely different to our great game. It may be one of the factors that's making him such a hard matchup for opponents, who would be more accustomed to someone moving the way a born-and-bred Aussie Rules player would.

I'd be interested to hear other people's opinions of my latest theory, but even if you shoot it down in flames, we have to agree that it's a great story for him and Brandon to come from NSW, and a famous RL household. (Clearly the most successful Swan from a legendary RL background since Paul Bevan!) I think long-term his story will be a huge kick-along to winning hearts and minds in NSW.

All that aside, he's a joy to watch; a new inspirational Swans great.

 

[Blood Bath]

He's been just about the best player in the comp.

 

[Bonz]

At this current point in time the only player in the competition I would take over Jack would be Ablett and even then it isn't by much.

Has really gone to a whole new level this season and it wouldn't surprise me if he overtakes Ablett in the Brownlow late in the season if he keeps going.

 

[Sketi]

And the best thing about it is we have 2 of them

 

[Maddhew]

It makes me sad that he is 26, his prime should last. 3 more years though

Hopefully he can continue to improve

He is now a top 5 player in the comp

Needs to do it for a few more seasons

 

[replicant]

He's said that dad Garry jokingly advises him to "chip it over the top" more often, but you actually see him do that quite a bit (although not usually back to his own possession, but he does seem to spot the short targets more than a lot of other players do.

Brandon also did a very clever little bit of play vs the Bulldogs. He was on the ground, had the ball. He knew if he stayed there, he'd be tackled, and if he got up he'd be tackled. So he handballed hard out in front, out of the pack, and then was up on his feet chasing it in a flash. It was the handball equivalent of the rugby league "grubber kick".

But you are right, the way both of them move reminds me more of rugby league half-backs than typical AFL players.

 

[MarkP]

Personally I think how his form has grown with being Captain is a credit to him. Similarly to Ablett he has got better with more responsibility piled onto him which is not always a given.

He is elite. I hate that word being used so frequently these days. It should be reserved for the upper stratosphere of players that only a chosen few like Jack inhabit.

 

[SM]

Yeah I was amazed when I realised he was 26, feels like he only debuted a couple of years ago...

 

[TriX78]

Kieren Jack would be a rep player if he played in the NRL. He would either by the australian half back or 5/8 and i think he wouyld be captain of the blues. In fact i would say he would be a massive pin boy and star of the NRL.

They must be kicking themselves over at NRL HQ..and so must the tigers!

His sudden bursts and his beautiful sidestep is very rugby leaguish, in fact its all RL and i can see garry jack in a lot of his clearance work when he runs the lines.

Brandon is the same but hasnt got that sidestep just yet.

 

[The King!]

i remember when him and bird started i thought bird would become the elite one, and no disrespect to bird but jack has gone those few steps higher.

He is a gun midfielder, seems so assured and confident.

I like his on field leadership too

 

[Jack Lord]

18 goals for the season.


Averaging ...

26 disposals
7 tackles
6 inside 50s

...per game.

 

[Bonz]

i remember when him and bird started i thought bird would become the elite one, and no disrespect to bird but jack has gone those few steps higher.

He is a gun midfielder, seems so assured and confident.

I like his on field leadership too

I still feel that if Bird was given time in the midfield just to hunt his own ball he would be an elite midfielder in his own right.

Very good team player.

 

[Swansujelly]

He certainly gone to another level this year. The co-captaincy has certainly agreed with him, and he leadds by example. 2-3 good games to finish the year and he will give the Charlie a shake, or at least make it worh watching until the end.

 

[Blood Bath]

There's a poll on the polls board out of who's currently the better player out of Jack and Danger, with some delusional people claiming that Danger has had a better year. Can't help but lol at that.

 

[The King!]

There's a poll on the polls board out of who's currently the better player out of Jack and Danger, with some delusional people claiming that Danger has had a better year. Can't help but lol at that.

Yeah and that its not even close apparently

What a joke

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

To be fair i doubt they have seen Jack play many games.

 

[bradmanstandguy]

I have posted this before,but Kieran Jack is a very simalar to Paul Kelly. Tough, skilled, natural leader,and
has the bloods spirit and loyalty. Cant say any more,
Brownlow contention?

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

I can only imagine the meltdown if he did win it..

 

[Blood Bath]

I have posted this before,but Kieran Jack is a very simalar to Paul Kelly. Tough, skilled, natural leader,and
has the bloods spirit and loyalty. Cant say any more,
Brownlow contention?

Well I think we all know that Ablett will win it, but Jack will come very very close, as will Hannebery.

 

[Blacky]

I'd love him to be in the mix for AA vice captain, as there wont be too many captains making it this year.

Gaz and maybe Riewoldt and Selwood

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

Selwood has had a ordinary year shouldn't make AA.

 

[Blacky]

I agree that's why I said maybe.