The absence of co-captain Kieren Jack played a major role in the Sydney Swans early exit from the finals series in 2015 according to assistant coach Josh Francou.
Jack injured his medial ligament in the side’s final round win over Gold Coast putting him out of the first two weeks of finals which the Swans went on to lose.
Francou said many underestimate the importance of the 28-year-old to the side’s midfield make up.
“You probably don’t appreciate how much of an impact he has had until he misses those games in the finals,” Francou said.
“He has had a very consistent season, he can run with players if needed and he adds another dynamic to our midfield.
“He adds leg speed and important speed around the footy which is potentially what we struggled with a little bit during the finals.”
The consistent season of Jack did not go unrewarded as he finished third in the Bob Skilton Medal behind Dan Hannebery and Josh Kennedy.
The versatile midfielder averaged 23 disposals a game along with six tackles to showcase his ability as a midfielder that can push forward and hit the scoreboard.
“Kieren is a dynamic, quick inside midfielder that can also support his game with outside run and can play forward,” Francou said.
“He is one of those midfielders that are very versatile for us and we all know how good a player he is but it stood out more when he wasn’t playing for us in the finals.
“If we have Buddy up and going, Gary Rohan and Kieren Jack all of a sudden our forward line looks really dangerous and quick.
“Kieren is able to hit the scoreboard but the forward pressure he is able to apply is critical to the dynamics of how we play.”