The Swans ended their 11-game losing streak to Collingwood last Friday night, put a stop to a similarly bad run against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium a fortnight before, and now the Swans are targeting their MCG record in this Saturday’s Grand Final.
The Swans have overcome a number of so called ‘hoodoos’ already this finals’ series, and Swans midfielder Kieren Jack said he is looking forward to getting a shot at dispelling the MCG jinx once and for all tomorrow.
“I’m actually really looking forward to playing (on the MCG),” Jack told SwansTV.
“We’ve played on a lot of grounds this year and we’ve performed really well on a number of grounds over in Perth and down in Tasmania, so we’ve got no worries down at the MCG. “
Jack said the Swans’ poor performances at the MCG, which has seen the side produce just one win from their last 15 attempts, was nothing to do with the ground itself and everything to do with things the team can control.
The midfielder added that none of the playing group was concerned about playing at the home of football this weekend; instead they were excited about the challenge.
“The reasons we’ve lost down there have purely been game plan or structural things which we haven’t got right on the day, that’s all,” he said.
“I actually really love playing there and I know a lot of the other guys do as well.”
Jinxes and hoodoos aside, Jack believes the Swans’ recent form has filled the side with confidence heading into the final Saturday of September.
“We certainly showed early on that we could compete and be a really good side if we were all on, and in the last few weeks we’ve gained even more belief now and beating Collingwood on the weekend was a great step, and we get a great opportunity this week,” Jack said.
He added that the result of the recent Brownlow Medal count was a terrific indication of just how evenly spread the talent is at the Swans this season.
“I think it’s a really even contribution,” Jack said.
“A lot of players polled votes, which is a great sign and I think it shows the depth we have in the side at the moment and a lot of players are coming in and playing really well.
“While I would have liked to see Josh Kennedy poll a few more, it was great to see the likes of Dan Hannebery, Ryan O’Keefe and Jarrad McVeigh all pick up votes.”
Like many of the team’s young stars, Saturday’s Grand Final will be Jack’s first attempt at premiership glory.
The 25-year-old said advice from the team’s experienced players, including co-captain Adam Goodes and veteran Jude Bolton, has been invaluable leading into this weekend’s events.
“It will probably hit us when we get down and do the parade on Friday morning, but once we get that out of the way it’ll be preparation as normal and we’re really looking forward to it,” he said.
“We’ve been lucky in that we’ve had Adam (Goodes) and Jude (Bolton) and Ryan O’Keefe and Jarrad McVeigh, and these blokes who have been a part of it before.
“The message they have sent across is to prepare as normal. We’ve had processes in place since the start of the year and they’ve served us really well.”
