KIEREN Jack will reach the 200-game milestone when he runs onto Simonds Stadium to take on Geelong on Friday night, but, sadly, most of the media focus this week has been on his strained relationship with his parents.
Teammate Luke Parker, however, has attempted to drag the spotlight off Jack's personal life and back on to the co-captain's football achievements by lauding Jack's leadership and resilience.
A former rookie-listed tagger who grew up learning the game in rugby league heartland, Jack has won a best and fairest at the Swans and helped them to the 2012 premiership.
He earned All Australian selection the following season and has won three Brett Kirk medals for being judged best on ground in the Sydney Derby.
In a remarkable showing of consistency and resilience, Jack has played 22-plus games in seven of the past eight seasons to prove his career is an outstanding story of commitment and persistence.
In an exclusive interview with AFL.com.au, Parker reveals that Jack's qualities as a person have made him the perfect role model at the Swans.
"His ability to lead by example is the one thing that I believe sets him apart from everyone else," Parker said.
"To see the way he goes about his football every week, he's never one to shirk a contest and always puts the team first.
"It's something that’s really admirable about him.
"He shows up each week whether he's 100 per cent or not and you know what you're going to get from him.
"He really challenges the group to get better, drives the standards at the club, and sets the standard on the field with his tackling, his pressure and his intensity.
"Off the field even when we've had a good game he's looking at areas we can improve and he's never satisfied with where we're at as a club.
"He's an outstanding leader, and captain of this club, and a massive key to us being successful this year."
John Longmire and Kieren Jack sharing a laugh during the team photo. Picture: AFL Media
Swans coach John Longmire admitted that he never imagined Jack would turn into the player he is today, when he first encountered him at the club as a teenager back in 2005.
Longmire said Jack's 200th game was great reward for his professionalism and a crucial victory against the Cats would be the best way for the Swans to pay tribute to the milestone.
"He's a very tenacious person and his ability to keep getting better and better, and keep on improving himself over time is a real credit to him," Longmire said.
"I remember coaching him in the reserves when he was a little back pocket player and there were a lot of question marks on him coming through.
"He's been able to defy those critics and have a wonderful career to this point, and still has plenty of great footy left in front of him.
"It's a real celebration of his 200th game this week, it's a fantastic achievement."
