Brandon Jack will be looking to buck a recent trend when the Sydney Swans meet Collingwood in Saturday night’s season opener at the SCG.
Drafted with Pick 58 in the 2013 Rookie Draft, Jack has managed 27 games over three seasons but has never lined up in the opening round of a home and away season.
That could all change if Jack is selected to face the Magpies on Thursday.
After making the most of his senior elevation in 2013, the 21-year-old has had a fight on his hands to earn then cement a permanent spot in the senior side.
A strong showing in the back half of last season should go a long way to helping Jack’s cause for another game.
Revealing on Triple J’s Breakfast with Matt and Alex on Wednesday, Jack said the nerves start to flap with team selection just around the corner.
“Wednesday and Thursday are pretty stressful actually for a few guys like myself, Jack said.
“I’ve never played round one so I’m excited if I get the chance this weekend.”
What makes selection even more nerve racking for guys vying for a spot is how the final team is revealed to the playing group.
“They have (the final team) on a big whiteboard that’s then flipped over and if you’re name isn’t on there some can get a bit surprised,” he said.
“It can get a bit nerve racking, the minutes beforehand.”
Although difficult, keeping Jack’s mind occupied as the coaches finalise the team has been made easier by undertaking a degree in Media and Communications.
The budding journalist, who is trying to wrap his brain around the graphic design component at the moment, warmly welcomes the weekly distraction of his course.
“The AFL is great in encouraging young players to participate in something off the field,” Jack said.
“We’ve got a number of guys who are doing university degrees. It’s something the Swans are really big on, getting something outside of football done.
“It’s a 24/7 job done, you’ve always got to be thinking about your football. But for me going into that lecture and sitting with people who have no idea about football is something I look forward to every week.”
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