Long past the age of 30 now, Kieren Jack has passed the baton in the Swans engine room to the next generation. In 2018 Jack transitioned from an inside midfield position to a linkup player, rotating between outside midfield and half forward. As a result, his numbers plummeted, finishing with the lowest average since 2008. The veteran, even with dual-position status, won’t be back to the high-scoring Jack of years past. A plethora of budding stars, plus new recruit Ryan Clarke will make Jack’s fight for a spot in the starting 22 a difficult one. He could be a bench option with a late round pick, but should be otherwise avoided.
Well it's goodbye, jaunty Jack
Long past the age of 30 now, Kieren Jack has passed the baton in the Swans engine room to the next generation. In 2018 Jack transitioned from an inside midfield position to a linkup player, rotating between outside midfield and half forward. As a result, his numbers plummeted, finishing with the lowest average since 2008. The veteran, even with dual-position status, won’t be back to the high-scoring Jack of years past. A plethora of budding stars, plus new recruit Ryan Clarke will make Jack’s fight for a spot in the starting 22 a difficult one. He could be a bench option with a late round pick, but should be otherwise avoided.
Kieren Jack has quietly moved towards the top echelon of favourites for this year's Rising Star award, after a 2017 that will not feature heavily in his highlight reel. A move from deep forward to outside midfielder has unlocked part of his potential, and it is obvious to the naked eye that he is improving from week to week, putting potential into practice. As to whether he is going to be a premium fantasy midfielder once he reaches his peak, that remains to be seen; perhaps he might be more of a Supercoach specialist with quality over quantity.
No jump from Jack
A hip problem from preseason dogged Kieren Jack all last year to result in his worst statistical output since 2009, with six less disposals and two less tackles than a 2016 campaign that was also disappointing. This fantasy disaster capped off an inexorable downward trend that started in 2014. Jack spent more time forward, perhaps due to the injury but also the departure of Tom Mitchell and a move to midfield by Isaac Heeney. He is still worthy of a starting spot in fantasy sides, but doesn’t warrant an early selection as in years gone by. Jump on the Swans’ co-captain in the early second half of draft rounds.
