Swans co-captain Kieren Jack has weighed in on the strength of the Swans’ midfield ahead of Saturday night’s bumper clash against Hawthorn.
On the eve of what looms as a battle of the ‘inside’, Jack believes each member adds certain strengths to the collective which in turn creates a machine power-driven by “variety”.
Luke Parker’s season went to another level last weekend after collecting 31 disposals and five goals in, arguably, one of the more rounded individual performances seen from a Swan in recent times.
The incredibly consistent Josh Kennedy and the ever-nuggety Dan Hannebery continue to produce week after week.
And averaging 30 disposals after his three games this season, “you can now throw Tom Mitchell into that mix as well,” Jack told reporters on Thursday.
“Tom has added a different dimension.”
Jack believes the beauty of the Swans’ on-ball division was not only having those names running around who can spend time up forward and kick goals, but by possessing other players who can chip in at any stage during the game.
Ben McGlynn, minding Cats skipper Joel Selwood, enjoyed some time on the ball last week while the likes of Gary Rohan and Jake Lloyd have also lent a hand this season.
Easing the mind of the Swans coaching staff is the fact proven performers Harry Cunningham and Craig Bird haven’t featured in the starting 22 for the past two weeks.
“It’s something we spoke about at the start of the season, having variety through their and getting more numbers into that midfield group,” Jack said.
“It’s so important to have a strong engine room and not rely on two or three individuals. To have strength and weight of numbers through there is pleasing to see and I know they’ll be itching to get out there on Saturday.”
These reinforcements, per se, will be crucial to Jack’s consistency and durability in season 2015. The 170-gamer expressed how big of part changing things up will play towards the latter end of the season.
“I have been able to go forward at times and even play out on a wing,” he said
“There risk of burning out and the physical toll of continually playing inside and through the midfield can have a massive impact, so at times if we can play forward – and obviously play well in the forward line, that’s another thing – you can conserve energy and hopefully that’ll pay dividends.”
Jack was relatively pleased with his own form having averaged 24 touches and almost a goal a game.
