Old blokes motivated by criticism, says Barry

Sydney Swans co-captain Leo Barry took pleasure from the performance of the heavily scrutinised Swans veterans, as both young and old produced the goods in a 35-point elimination final victory over North Melbourne tonight.

While the ageing nature of Sydney’s list has been a constant reference point throughout the season, both fullback Barry and coach Paul Roos felt tonight’s performance underlined their belief the core of veterans was still playing good football.

Barry felt the constant scrutiny of the 30-plus brigade only served to motivate them.

Roos picked out Barry and hard working half forward Ryan O’Keefe as players whose intensity kept the Swans going in the first half, when they trailed for virtually the entire period.

Gradually returning to full fitness after being sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring strain, Barry thought he was getting back to full fitness and the Swans defence was gradually improving.

“We’ve been a bit up and down with intensity, but tonight we were a lot better,” Barry said.

“We still conceded a couple of silly goals, but I think our improvement was there and we go into next week pretty confident.”

At the other end of the age scale, Kieren Jack and Jarred Moore contributed three and two goals respectively.

No one was happier about Jack’s treble than his famous father Garry, who enjoyed plenty of finals experience with the Balmain Tigers rugby league club in the 1980s and `90s.

“He hasn’t kicked three goals in an AFL game ever, the whole family is excited,” Garry Jack said.

“It’s not everyday your kid kicks three goals in an elimination final.”

Former Test fullback Jack, who played in two losing grand finals for Balmain in 1988 and 1989, offered his son just a little advice heading into his first AFL finals game: “All I said to him was don’t leave anything in the tank.”

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