Swan Parker hails Jack’s AFL leadership

Sydney midfielder Luke Parker has praised the resilience of co-captain Kieren Jack, after a win over Geelong which he says sets up the club’s season.

The Swans consolidated their top-four AFL spot with a 38-point away victory on Friday night over the Cats.

The lead-up to Jack’s 200th game was overshadowed by the revelation of a family feud, but the tenacious midfielder proved he was able to focus on football with a strong performance at Simonds Stadium.

Jack finished with match-high tallies of three majors and 10 tackles in addition to notching 24 touches.

“He was outstanding,” said Parker, who accumulated 27 disposals in Sydney’s second win in their past 12 games at the venue.

“I had no doubt he would play the way he did. He’s a resilient bloke and he focuses on his footy and then stands up when we need (him to).

“It was a really special occasion for Kieren and for all the boys to get around him, a great moment and really good to set up our season.”

Sydney were coming off a six-day turnaround following a home loss to the Western Bulldogs and will face a similarly short break before hosting ladder leaders Hawthorn on Thursday night.

“We’ll take confidence out of this game and it’s another six-day break, so I know the boys don’t mind it,” Parker said.

Parker attributed the Swans’ victory to their pressure and tweaking the way they sent the ball into the forward line that was less reliant on star forward Lance Franklin.

Franklin was held to just one goal in his first match at the venue, but Sydney had 10 other goal scorers.

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