In summation...
Kieren Jack's pre-season was interrupted due to a hip complaint but the warrior battled on manfully through the early rounds.
Jack's form suffered as a result. He was well below his usual output in the opening five rounds, a formline that was exacerbated under the cloud of the team's disastrous start to the season.
The call was made after Round 5 to rest the midfielder and get his body right in readiness for a red-hot crack in the backend of the season.
The decision paid dividends with Jack, after several weeks off, getting back to the player we've come to know and love.
A change of scenery saw the 30-year-old spend more time up forward with great results.
He'd play every game after the bye (19 games overall) with a return of seven goals and nearly five tackles per game, his pressure and speed proving handy acquisitions under the feet of Lance Franklin, Sam Reid and alike.
he'd also go on to play an important role in the finals, standing out alongside Heath Grundy to win equal Paul Roos Best Player in Finals.
What the numbers say...
Games: 19
Goals: 10
Kicks: 219
H’balls: 117
Disposals: 336
Clearances: 39
Marks: 64
Tackles: 78
Inside 50s: 68
AFL Fantasy: 1,269 (74.6 average)
Supercoach: 1,258 (74.0 average)
Best performance...
Round 17 v GWS at Spotless Stadium
Against one of the flag favourites in GWS and behind enemy lines, Jack stood up to produce his best game of the season. He collected 22 disposals, laid a game-high 11 tackles and kicked a goal in what was an significant win against the cross-town rivals. He was awarded 40 votes in this year's Club Champion award for his efforts.
What they said...
"Playing forward's a little bit different to the midfield but I feel like I'm getting that balance back and that confidence in playing my role which will influence games. I still think I can influence a game."
- Kieren Jack speaking to the Daily Telegraph ahead of the 2017 Finals Series.
In pictures...
Dean Towers and Harry Cunningham celebrate a Kieren Jack goal in the semi-final loss to Geelong.
Jack thanks the SCG crowd after defeating the Western Bulldogs in Round 12.
Jack kicks a goal to put the Sydney Swans in front during the dying stages of the Round 13 clash with Richmond.
