In summary:

Veteran Swan Kieren Jack made vital contributions as a forward and midfielder in 2018, leading a young forward line with Lance Franklin and winning ample contested ball in the midfield.

A host of Sydney youngsters spoke during the season of the invaluable direction Jack, Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy and a number of other experienced Swans provided.

Jack missed three games late in the season due to a knee injury but returned to help the Swans lock in a ninth-straight finals berth.

What the numbers say:

Games: 19

Goals: 8

Kicks: 183

Handballs: 98

Disposals: 281

Marks: 31

AFL Fantasy: 58.8 (average)

Best performance:

Round 22: Sydney Swans v GWS, Spotless Stadium

Jack turned back the clock as the Swans trounced the Giants in Round 22, recovering from a two-goal deficit at the final change to win by 20 points. Jack collected 22 disposals and two goals, including a clutch left-foot snap from the pocket in the final term.

Milestone:

Making 22^nd finals appearance

Jack’s appearance against GWS in the second elimination final saw the former Sydney co-captain move into fifth for most finals matches played in Swans history. His 22^nd finals game took him past Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery and Ted Richards, with Adam Goodes (28), McVeigh (27), Jude Bolton (26) and Ryan O’Keefe (24) leading the way. Jack played his first finals match in 2008 and has banked 248 career games.

What they said:

Forwards coach Steve Johnson

“What he provides the group is really strong leadership. Certainly from the forwards’ point of view, he gets down there and directs the young players to where they need to be at certain times. His leadership has certainly been invaluable.”

In pictures:

Kieren Jack and Patrick Dangerfield get in a tangle in Sydney's memorable win over Geelong in Round 6.

Kieren Jack and Lance Franklin celebrate the Swans' thrilling win over the Magpies in Round 20.

Turning back the clock: Kieren Jack celebrates a goal as the Swans charge home to beat the Giants in Round 22.