Sydney AFL coach John Longmire has praised the smarts and speed of rookie draftee Brandon Jack, the latest member of the famous footballing family to join the Swans.
While Sydney landed the biggest fish in the pre-season draft in former Adelaide forward-ruckman Kurt Tippett, the AFL premiers also added a substantial dose of sibling power to their roster.
Among their rookie draft picks were 18-year-old Jack, the younger brother of Swans midfield star Kieren and another son of former Kangaroos rugby league legend Garry.
Premiership defender and All-Australian representative Ted Richards was joined at the club by younger brother Xavier.
Brandon Jack is a midfielder like his older brother and could be even faster than his speedy sibling according to Longmire.
“Brandon Jack has got elite speed, I think he’s even quicker than Kieren, though Kieren will probably dispute that,” Longmire said.
“He gives some real bite to us, he’s got a lot to learn as has Xavier.
“But I think they are off to a pretty good start. We’ve been able to have a look at them for the last three weeks, so far they’ve shown some good signs.”
Longmire described Brandon Jack as “one of the smartest kids going around”.
“I asked him the question `what are you interested in’, he said `I’d like to be a lawyer’.
“I said `What are you doing a being a footballer?’
“He’s just passionate about trying his hand at being the best player he can possibly be, but I’m sure in the back of his mind if it doesn’t work out, he can be a really good lawyer as well.”
The Swans’ newest Jack suggested his game was more similar to another leading Sydney midfielder than his older brother’s.
“I’m a bit different to Kieren and I’m a more outside running player,” Brandon said on the Swans website.
“I would say I’m kind of similar to that Lewis Jetta-type role.”
Longmire said Xavier Richards would help bolster the Swans’ stocks of key position players.
While All-Australian centre halfback Ted was used almost exclusively in defence this year, Xavier was employed around the ground by Sandringham Dragons.
“I would start the game at fullback then go full-forward for a quarter and kick a few goals and then go in the ruck,” Xavier told the Swans website.
Longmire said Sydney co-captain Adam Goodes was thrilled that the Bulldogs had picked up his younger brother Brett with one of their rookie picks.