AFTER a "distressing" week, Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack has declared his love for his girlfriend and pleaded for the feud with his mother to be a private matter.
The now-public dispute with his parents has overshadowed Jack's impending 200th game.
Jack fronted a large media contingent at the SCG before training on Wednesday to address the ongoing feud, which became public after a social media post on Monday from his mother Donna.
It's believed Donna Jack's disapproval of her son's partner, Charlotte, has resulted in a split between the Jack family in what should have been a week of celebration.
The premiership Swan refused to shy away from his scheduled media conference and pledged his support for his partner, and younger brother Brandon, who stood just metres from where he was speaking.
"I love [Charlotte] very much and I'm very proud of her," Jack said, describing the week's events as "unfortunate ... it hasn't been nice.
"I've been pretty disappointed with the way the situation has been played out in the public eye.
"My take on it is pretty clear, it's a private matter and my wish is for it to stay that way.
"What I have learnt through this is that family issues happen, but they need to remain private.
"I'm not going to get caught up in getting into a he-said-she-said, I think it's probably an immature approach.
"What I will say is that my priorities are firmly with my partner and my little brother, who I love and care for very much.
"As distressing as the events have been, the level of support we've given each other, on top of friends, other family members, teammates, and the Sydney Swans in general.
"It's highlighted to us how lucky we are that we've got those people in our lives."
Despite his mother's post, and comments to the media from his father Garry, a celebrated former rugby league international, Jack denied that his parents have been told not to attend this week's milestone game against Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
"It's his decision, I've heard talk that he's been banned, that’s not the case," he said.
"They're not banned.
"I acknowledge that my family did a lot in getting me to the position where I am, but in the current state, there is a private matter going on."
Jack said Charlotte, a West Australian who moved across the country to be with him, was coping with the ugly situation.
The television producer and former Miss Universe contestant has been reported as the cause of the Jack feud in many news media outlets across the country all week.
"It's been tough. She hasn't deserved the treatment that she's received, but she's strong, she's an independent woman," Jack said.
"She's not just a model I can tell you, and a lot of people here know that."
Donna, Kieren and Garry Jack in 2010. Picture: Getty Images
Jack's mental toughness is known within footy circles as a major reason he's been able to fight his way from the rookie list in 2005 to becoming a premiership player, club champion and All Australian.
The Swans face the Cats in a crucial top four clash this week and Jack said while this week's events had challenged his focus, he had to keep his mind on the job with the support of his teammates.
"I think I can deal with it," he said.
"We'll get on with things, we'll get on with life and prepare as best we can and come Friday night we'll be ready.
"It's less about me playing 200 games – I think that's been highlighted during the week.
"There's more important things in life, it's a big game for this football club.
"We need to bounce back and that's my priority … getting on that field and making sure that we get a win this week."
