KIEREN Jack credits a long stint tagging some of the AFL's best players in helping him enjoy outstanding team and individual success and reach 150 games for the Sydney Swans.
A latecomer to the sport, Jack lacked some of the fundamentals that come naturally to those who begin playing at a young age, so former coach Paul Roos handed him a tagging role early in his career.
Gary Ablett, Chris Judd and Ben Cousins were just some of the names he was asked to tag throughout the 2008 season, the first year Jack earned a regular place in the Swans’ side.
Seven years later, he is a co-captain of the club, a premiership player and last season was named an All Australian for the first time.
And against Port Adelaide on Sunday, he will bring up game No.150 and earn life membership of the Swans.
"My background in AFL football wasn't big," said Jack, the son of rugby league great Garry Jack.
"I had to learn the game and the patterns of the game and tagging allowed me to do that.
"Defensively and (when) tackling, I was a very competitive kid, so that went hand in hand.
"So I think 'Roosy' thought if he could put me on a player and try to negate them with my competitive attitude, I'd be able to pick up some things along the way and learn that offensive side and where players go to get the football."
While Roos was a critical factor in Jack's development, he also credits former Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs star Jason Akermanis with helping him along the way.
It was tagging Akermanis in a pre-season game ahead of that 2008 campaign when Jack first started to feel he belonged at senior level.
"Whilst it was only a pre-season game, it was a huge step up for me," he explained.
"Aker might've only been running around having a bit of fun, but it certainly gave me some confidence I could play at that level.
"I played all that year as a tagger and that was where it all started."
Jack's career came full circle in 2010 when he found himself the target of opposition taggers.
He took it all in his stride, ending that season winning the Swans' best and fairest award.
The Swans will attempt to stretch their winning streak to eight games in Saturday's massive showdown with Port Adelaide at the SCG.
A match-up of the AFL's two hottest teams, Port defender Alipate Carlile threw an early barb this week, labelling the Swans the benchmark of the competition.
Jack had a swift response to that statement.
"We're sitting third and they're sitting first, so it's fair to say they're the best team in the comp," he said.
"But it's nice for him to try to deflect that."
Jack has tasted the ultimate in football, playing a major part in the Swans' 2012 premiership.
His goal 20 minutes into the final term that day against Hawthorn drew the Swans level before they secured a memorable 10-point triumph.
That feeling when the final siren blew is something he is desperate to experience again.
"That's the drive," he said on Thursday. "Getting the group going again so we can achieve that ultimate team success, that's what you play for.
"That feeling five or 10 minutes after the Grand Final, that's what you want."
