Evergreen Sydney Swans defender Jarrad McVeigh again proved highly reliable in 2018.

The former Swans co-captain averaged 21 disposals, four rebound 50s and 82 per cent disposal efficiency per game.

McVeigh broke his collarbone in Sydney’s clash with Geelong in Round 16 and missed the following three games, an injury that coincided with the Swans losing two of three matches to slip from the top eight.

But McVeigh would return from injury as the Swans returned to the winners’ circle, playing a crucial role at half-back as Sydney edged Collingwood in Round 20 en route to finals football.

A number of young Swans spoke throughout the season of the invaluable direction Sydney’s sole 300-game player provided the troops.

McVeigh, moreover, recently signed a one-year contract extension, tying himself to the Swans until at least the end of 2019 and confirming a 17^th season in red and white.

What the numbers say:

Games: 19

Kicks: 235

Handballs: 166

Disposals: 401

Marks: 92

Tackles: 42

Rebound 50s: 78

AFL Fantasy: 78.8 (average)

Best performance:

Round 9: Sydney Swans v Fremantle, SCG

McVeigh was rewarded with a near-perfect two Brownlow Medal votes and nine AFL Coaches’ Association votes as Sydney trounced Fremantle in Round 9. The 2013 All-Australian collected 31 touches, gathered seven rebound 50s and disposed at 87 per cent efficiency.

Milestone:

Making 28^th finals appearance

McVeigh drew level with Sydney great Adam Goodes in most finals played by a Swan in the elimination final against GWS. The clash with the Giants marked McVeigh’s 28^th finals appearance, a milestone lightyears after he played his first finals game in a 2004 semi-final against St Kilda at the MCG. Former Swans captain Jude Bolton rounds out the podium on 26 finals matches, while Ryan O’Keefe (24) and Kieren Jack (22) ice the top five.

What they said: 

Assistant coach Dean Cox

“Macca has had an enormous impact on this footy club for a very long period of time. Year after year he’s hit very high standards on and off the park and this season was no different. He again accumulated a lot of possession and was one of our safest options with the footy in hand. That’s not mention the impact he has on the younger guys trying to find their way from a leadership point of view.” 

In pictures:

Macca was looking good during pre-season training at Lakeside Oval.

Jarrad McVeigh gets wrapped up by a Giants opponent at the SCG.

McVeigh gets the handball away as a Geelong opponent approaches to tackle.

Stay tuned for more season reviews at sydneyswans.com.au over the coming weeks.