It’s been a difficult week for AFL Sydney Swans co-captain, Kieren Jack.
Despite being set to reach a career milestone this Friday night – clocking an admirable 200 games – the star midfielder has been embroiled in a bitter family feud between his long-term girlfriend of three years, Charlotte Goodlet, and his parents, Garry and Donna Jack.
The rift between the group first surfaced on Monday, when Donna shared her dismay at not being given tickets to watch her son play on her public Twitter account. Instead, it has since emerged that Kieren has decided to give the tickets to Charlotte’s parents.
“So sad,” Donna tweeted to her son. “Dad 200 RL you 200 AFL & you don’t want us there, your parents. No appreciation for all the yrs helping you get there.”
Father Garry followed up the social media commentary with an interview with the Daily Telegraph, telling the publication that "We have been trying to fix this and sort it out for more than 12 months".
“We have been aware of the problem but is has fallen on deaf ears. They are your kids and they can do what they want but, as parents, it hurts. It hurts us as a family, it cuts to your heart, it really does.”
But now - for the first time since the scandal erupted onto the tabloids - the 29-year-old has commented on his family's increasingly public feud, explaining he is “pretty disappointed”.
In a press conference organised by the Swans, Kieren explained "it hasn’t been nice".
“I’m not going to get caught into commenting too much on it or getting into ‘He said, she said’. What I will say is my priorities of support are firmly with my partner and my little brother, who I love and care for very much."
“As distressing as the events have been, the level of support we’ve given each other on top of friends, other family members, teammates and the Sydney Swans in general, it’s probably highlighted to us how lucky we are we’ve got them in our lives.”
The toll on girlfriend Charlotte, who is a producer at Nine News and was a finalist in the 2013 Miss Universe Australia pageant, has been immense.
“I’m in the public eye and I acknowledge that family did a lot to get me in this position. There is a private matter going on.
“It’s been tough, she [Charlotte] hasn’t deserved the treatment that she’s received. But she’s strong, she’s an independent woman, she’s not just a model — I can tell you that. I love her very much.”
Click through to see Kieren and Charlotte on Instagram. (Post continues after gallery...)
For now, Kieren says he will be turning his attention to footy.
“Pure and simple we want the win, it’s less about me playing 200 games. There are other things in life, it’s a big game for this club and that’s my priority, make sure we get the win. It’s been a challenge no doubt, but I’ve got no other option.
"I think I can deal with it. Come Friday night, I’ll be ready.”
Watch Rebecca Maddern make her debut on AFL Footy Show (post continues after video):
Top Comments
Parents don't get to choose their children's partners (except in arranged marriages which is despicable). All we can do is hope that they make the best choice for their happiness & that we love/like them too! If we don't like them we still have to act civilly or we won't get to see them or any grandkids for family gatherings!
What a mature response, didnt get that from mum obviously
Not a sydney fan but wish him well in his 200th great footy milestone