GWS Giants v Sydney Swans: Co-captain Kieran Jack following father’s footsteps in AFL

JUST like his father Garry helped build the legend that is State of Origin, now Kieren Jack is a flagship player for the AFL’s Sydney derby.

GWS co-captain Phil Davis and Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack at Spotless Stadium ahead of Sydney Derby X. Picture. Phil Hillyard

KIEREN Jack couldn’t have timed his arrival into the world any better.

On June 28, 1987, smack bang between State of Origin II and the epic decider at Lang Park, a son was born.

Jack might not have followed father Garry into rugby league, but the same rich sense of sporting rivalry has flowed through his veins since day one.

Infant years spent on his mother’s lap at the Sydney Football Stadium as dad’s Balmain Tigers battled west-Sydney rivals Canterbury in the 1988 grand final and then the unforgettable 1989 decider against Canberra, are permanently etched into his subconscious.

Now Jack has a chance to emulate his father.

Just like champion NSW fullback Garry helped build the legend that is State of Origin in the 1980s, now Kieren is a flagship player for the AFL’s Sydney derby – Swans v Giants.

GWS co-captain Phil Davis and Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack at Spotless Stadium ahead of Sydney Derby X. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Jack admits he never thought he’d see the day.

He believes AFL will now go to the next level because of a new Sydney rivalry that is set for its most exciting chapter on Sunday at an almost sold-out Spotless Stadium.

“It’s huge. It’s what excites people,” Jack told The Daily Telegraph.

“If you see genuine rivalry it’s exciting. You’ve got a real sense of ownership towards a team and it’s genuinely competitive.

“That’s what sport is built on. That’s what it’s made of.”

Garry Jack helped build the reputation of State of Origin during the 1980s. Pic Peter Kurnik.

Jack believes the same principles which State of Origin are built on apply to AFL’s Sydney battlefield between east and west.

“Definitely. Origin is based on the closeness of the rivalry. That’s what it’s about,” he said.

“That’s what we’re trying to generate here.

“You’ve either got a sense of ownership towards Greater Western Sydney or the Sydney Swans and that’s only going to build in years to come.

Kieran (left) with his father Garry and younger brother Rhys in the dressing room after a Tigers game in 1991. Pic Peter Kurnik.

“To be able to take the rugby league on in that sense but also in a media, corporate and development sense is (exciting).

“It’s probably something I didn’t think would happen growing up, that there would be two teams in Sydney, such was the strength of the other codes.

“To have two Sydney teams now who are both really competitive and both looking now for top four appearances, that’s genuinely exciting for anyone involved in both clubs.”

Despite the influence of his father and rugby league being the dominate code in Sydney, Jack chose AFL.

Rugby league could have been as easy option, but Kieran Jack and his brother Brandon chose AFL.

But that’s not always the case for young athletes choosing their path.

Jack says the competitiveness between the Giants and Swans will inspire a new generation of footballers in NSW.

“It will take football to another level. We’re already seeing it now in the academies and with kids now deciding to take up AFL football,” he said.

“It’s going to be because of the rivalry of the Swans and the Giants, there’s no doubt.”