White’s hot form timely for Swans
Jesse White and Kieren Jack share their thoughts after combining for six goals in Sunday's win over Richmond
Jack, who also played an important role in the Swans’ brilliant victory with 26 disposals, 10 tackles and two goals, said White’s impressive form has come at exactly the right time for the Swans.
“There was probably a real question mark over who would stand up with Sam Reid and Goodesy out, but Jesse White came in and I thought he was super today,” Jack told SwansTV.
White’s equal career-best four-goal haul comes after two consecutive strong performances from the 25-year-old, who kicked three goals against GWS two weeks’ ago and played an important role on the wing against West Cost in Perth last round.
Jack said it appeared White had found the ability and confidence that the Swans knew he had in him.
“He was an incredible target up forward and probably used some assets he’s got and used his speed to really move around the ground pretty well,” he said.
“Hopefully it’s a really big step forward for him and he can continue, because we’ll need him to.”
Also speaking to SwansTV after the match, White said there was no secret to his recent good form, adding that he was simply enjoying playing senior football.
“I’m really enjoying the footy and the role I’m playing for the side at the moment,” White said.
“I’ve been working really hard on field and in the reserves and I think I’m now just seeing these opportunities and I’m taking them with both hands.
“I love this game and I love playing it, so I’m really having fun.”
Sunday’s win was the Swans’ fifth consecutive win and elevates the team into outright third on the AFL ladder.
Following an even first term, the Swans built on their lead at every change to finally run away with a 47-point win over the Tigers.
Led by Ryan O’Keefe (30 disposals), Tom Mitchell (26 disposals) and Jarrad McVeigh (23 disposals), the Swans pressure in the second half kept the Tigers to just three goals, while the Swans piled on eight.
Jack said the team was thrilled with their four-quarter effort against a quality, top-eight side in Richmond.
“It was a great effort by the boys,” he said.
“We certainly set ourselves for this game and so did Richmond, I think.
“They’ve been in really good form and are in the eight and are certainly building, so it was a good test for us, but I thought we did really well.”
The Swans will travel to Melbourne next round to take on the Western Bulldogs, who produced an upset win over West Coast by 22 points on Sunday.
Jack said next week’s match against the Bulldogs would definitely be another challenge for the Swans.
“That’s big test for us and we rate West Coast highly, so that was a big effort by (the Western Bulldogs) and we’ll prepare as we always do and will do our homework and get down to Melbourne and will look to put in another good effort.”