In summation...
There's little doubt Jarrad McVeigh's absence in the opening six rounds of the season contributed to the Sydney Swans' winless start to season 2017.
How much exactly is difficult to pinpoint, but what's easy to conclude is that McVeigh's experience and calm nerve helped lead the Swans' resurgence from a 0-6 cellar-dweller to a 14-8 finals contender.
Despite battling calf and hamstring issues, which kept him sidelined for all but 13 games, McVeigh proved his enormous worth by averaging 18 disposals in an important role across half-back.
It’s not exactly a career-high, but the 32-year-old 300-gamer showed again that his hallmarks has never been about quantity.
His 83 per cent disposal efficiency was a key weapon, helping to launch the Swans' attack numerous times as well as add an important cog in defence, a role he’ll tackle again during a 15th season given the premiership captain’s warmly-welcomed one-year contract extension.
What the numbers say...
Games: 13
Goals: 7
Kicks: 147
H’balls: 94
Marks: 64
Disposals: 241
Goal assists: 5
Tackles: 29
Clearances: 6
Inside 50s: 16
Rebound 50s: 36
AFL Fantasy: 828
Supercoach: 910
Best performance...
Elimination Final v Essendon at the SCG
Saved his most important performance for the cut-throat final against the Bombers, finishing with 21 touches at 95 per cent effectiveness while chipping in with four inside 50s, six rebound 50s and a goal assist.
What they said...
"There’s no question Jarrad sees the game really well, he’s a really smart player, probably one of the smartest players I’ve coached. When he sits behind the ball he’s able to help get the structure right and does it well."
- Sydney Swans coach John Longmire on 3AW Radio after the Round 15 win over Melbourne.
In pictures...
Jarrad McVeigh celebrates his goal against Fremantle in Round 21.
McVeigh welcomes the final siren which sealed the Elimination Final win against Essendon.
McVeigh hugs daughter Lolita-Luella before his 300th match in the semi-final against Geelong.
