Sydney great Kieren Jack set for Round 23 swan song after announcing retirement
Sydney Swan Kieren Jack been estranged from his father since 2016, but that didn’t stop rugby league great Garry Jack from paying an emotional tribute to his retiring son.
Sydney
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sydney. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sydney Swans great Kieren Jack has confirmed he will retire this season, setting up a sentimental farewell at the SCG this Saturday night.
Jack becomes the fourth member of the Swans 2012 premiership triumph to call it quits this year, meaning the club will farewell over 1000 games of experience in the one off-season.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE ‘SACKED’ PODCAST
Rugby league legend Garry Jack, who had a public falling out with his son in 2016, paid tribute to the Swans great on Monday night.
“You came from a league background & forged your own path in Aussie Rues,’’ Garry wrote on Twitter. “You reached the heights of winning a premiership & I could not have been prouder. Good luck wherever your journey takes you. Dad.”
It’s a huge brain drain for coach John Longmire to deal with, but he can take some comfort in the fact that Jack, Heath Grundy, Jarrad McVeigh and Nick Smith have played only a limited on-field role this year.
Jack has played every other week this year, but has spent large chunks of the season in the reserves team and it’s been clear from very early in 2019 that he would be hanging up the boots.
Live stream the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on KAYO SPORTS. Every match of every round. Live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial >
He will go down as one of the most influential players in the history of the Swans.
Jack was introduced to the game via the Paul Kelly Cup, because his school was participating in the junior round-robin tournament.
The son of rugby league royalty, Jack is one of the key figures in the rise of the Swans into a super club in a city that used to be the sole domain of the NRL.
FREE AGENCY: THE TOP-25 TARGETS OF 2019
RUN HOME: WHERE IS YOUR TEAM SET TO FINISH?
“Kieren did it the hard way and there were plenty of doubters, but he was able to make a real success of his career at the top level for a long time,” said Longmire.
“The local kids look up to him and aspire to one day be a Kieren Jack.
“I think that’s a great legacy to have for anyone.
“His influence is much greater than on just our footy club, it’s his influence on the code up here and that’s pretty special.”
Such a tough little bastard!
— Jude Bolton (@Jude_Bolton) August 19, 2019
Kizza was a phenomenal two-way gut runner, who left it all out there on the field each week for his team. ðŸ‘@kjack_15
Great example of how hard work (on all aspects of your game) can take you from miles back to the absolute pinnacle. @sydneyswans https://t.co/qtwzJdxkKS
Jack’s retirement marks 1043 games that will walk out of the Swans football club this off-season, with premiership heroes McVeigh, Heath Grundy and Nick Smith already announcing their departure.
Introduced to Aussie Rules as a primary school kid at the Paul Kelly Cup, Jack has changed the game in Sydney – despite the fact he could barely kick a ball straight when he first arrived.
He will go down as an All-Australian, a member of the greatest NSW AFL team of all time, and one of the best two-way midfielders of his era.
“Potentially my story has helped kids (in NSW),” he said.
“If I’ve played a small role in helping kids wanting to play AFL football, I’m pretty happy about it.
“If you’d asked me at 18 (as a kid) with a one-year rookie deal, whether I’d be here 14 years later, I would have told you you’re dreaming.
“I feel so fortunate to have come to this club.
“I’ve created so many memories with the guys I’ve played with that I’ll remember and cherish for the rest of my life.
“It’s a sad day but one I also want to celebrate.”