A rainy practice match gave Jai Serong the confidence to break through
A wet pre-season practice match on the wing became the turning point that launched Jai Serong's breakout Sydney season.
After joining Sydney from Hawthorn, Jai Serong struggled for senior game time despite winning back-to-back best and fairest awards in the VFL. The turning point came in a rain-soaked pre-season practice match against Greater Western Sydney at Henson Park in February, when the coaches played him on the wing.
Jai Serong felt he performed well that day, and it gave him genuine confidence he could play a different role at AFL level. That belief carried through the season.
He collected 27 disposals and a goal in round four against West Coast. He kicked a match-winning goal in round 13 against St Kilda.
By season's end, Serong had become more than a key part of Sydney's preliminary final side. He missed just one game all season and played multiple positions, exactly as the club had envisioned when they traded for him.
- 23 years old
- Age
- 27
- Disposals round 4
- 10
- Marks round 4
- Hawthorn
- Previous club
Why it mattersSerong's story shows how a single confident performance can unlock a player's potential and transform their AFL career from struggling bit-part to essential team member.
AustraliaSydney has a new reliable player in a key position for the 2026 grand final, part of the Swans' push for a premiership after a season threatened by scandal.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 d ago
