In poor form and with a tough run home, a spot in the finals looked touch-and-go and probably not warranted.
Three weeks later, the Swans are flying again. After three straight wins over fellow top-eight teams Hawthorn, Fremantle (away) and the Western Bulldogs, they can secure a home final with a win over the Brisbane Lions this weekend.
A return to their famed relentless attack on the football has driven the Swans' turnaround; they’re winning the hard ball and keeping hold of it through clean disposal.
From rounds 19 to 21, the Swans are averaging 93 more disposals per game than their opponents (ranked first in the league), 25 more contested possessions (ranked first), 68 more uncontested possessions (second), 11 more clearances (first) and 11 more inside 50s (third).
As Swans skipper Brett Kirk gets closer to his last AFL match, the man touted as the replacement leader of the Swans' hard-nut brigade, Kieren Jack, has stepped up.
On the past three weeks’ form, Jack is one of the competition’s elite midfielders:
| Statistic | R19-21 AVG |
|---|---|
| Disposals | 26.0 |
| Contested possessions | 11.0 |
| Clearances | 7.7 |
| Tackles | 5.3 |
| Goals | 1.3 |
| Score assists | 2.0 |
| Inside 50s | 6.7 |
Where does Jack rate in the hierarchy of AFL midfielders? And how will the Swans go in the finals? Tell us in the comments below.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
