Sydney Stack
{{Short description|Australian rules footballer (born 2000)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2019}}
{{Infobox AFL biography
| name = Sydney Stack
| image = Sydney Stack (1) 16.04.21.jpg
| caption = Stack with Richmond's VFL team in April 2021
| fullname =
| nickname =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|04|28|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Northam, Western Australia
| death_date =
| death_place =
| draftpick = Pre-season supplemental signing, 2019
| position = Forward / Defender
| currentclub =
| guernsey =
| debutdate = Round 3, 2019
| debutteam = {{AFL Ric}}
| debutopponent = {{AFL GWS}}
| debutstadium = Giants Stadium
| height = 179 cm
| weight = 72 kg
| years1 = 2019–2022
| club1 = {{AFL Ric}}
| games_goals1 = 35 (14)
| statsend = 2022 season
| careerhighlights = AFL
- AFL Rising Star nominee: 2019
- Cosgrove-Jenkins Award (RFC Best First-Year Player): 2019
VFL
Junior
- Under 18 All-Australian: 2018
- WAFL Colts team of the year: 2018
- Perth Colts best & fairest: 2018
}}
Sydney Stack (born 28 April 2000) is a professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He played junior representative football with Perth in the WAFL and represented Western Australia at national championships at under 18 level where he was named All-Australian in 2018. After being undrafted in 2018, Stack was signed by Richmond as a supplemental selection in 2019 and made his AFL debut in round 3, 2019.
Early life and junior football
Stack was born in Northam, Western Australia, a country town 97 kilometres east-northeast of Perth.{{cite news |title=Local boys compete in Australian team |url=https://www.avonadvocate.com.au/story/4626862/local-boys-compete-in-australian-team/ |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=Avon Advocate |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=28 April 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Mark |title=Young Richmond star Sydney Stack opens up to Mark Robinson about his incredible journey |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/young-richmond-star-sydney-stack-opens-up-to-mark-robinson-about-his-incredible-journey/news-story/9ec53022e333729af762f95793bc6358 |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=13 April 2020}} One of seven children, Stack endured a difficult childhood including living under the care of many different relatives as a result of substance abuse, mental illness and criminal convictions in his direct family.{{cite book |last1=Marshall |first1=Konrad |title=Stronger & Bolder |publisher=Slattery Media Group |location=Melbourne, Australia |isbn=9781743796375 |page=105}} His father was jailed for criminal offences in 2004 and after moving with his mother between homes in Northam, Perth, Bunbury and Koongamia, he returned to Northam at age six where he was raised under the care of his aunt.{{cite news |last1=Cavanagh |first1=Chris |title=Richmond's Sydney Stack making waves in the AFL, 'calling himself Byron Pickett' |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmonds-sydney-stack-making-waves-in-the-afl-calling-himself-byron-pickett/news-story/039168b8f281ecc714768963c6f52181 |access-date=2 May 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=25 April 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Rucci |first1=Michaelangelo |title=Sydney Stack is a Richmond cult hero, perhaps a Rising Star contender and certainly a reminder to never ignore talent in AFL recruiting |url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/expert-opinion/michelangelo-rucci/sydney-stack-is-a-richmond-cult-hero-perhaps-a-rising-star-contender-and-certainly-a-reminder-to-never-ignore-talent-in-afl-recruiting/news-story/298278f474dd6f90af4e87ba9beb9775 |access-date=2 May 2019 |work=The Advertiser |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=1 May 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Ralph |first1=Jon |title=The incredible story of how Sydney Stack overcame rejection to find AFL stardom |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/how-sydney-stack-overcame-rejection-to-find-afl-stardom/news-story/c27dd9fef463248a31e16d696ebdf05a |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=25 May 2019}} There he played junior football at the local Barons and Federals Football Clubs in Northam. He relocated to Koongamia to live under the care of his brother at age 11, before shifting again to live with his sister at age 12 and then return to Northam under his Aunt's care at age 13. He remained there for three years, returning to local football before moving yet again at age 16 into the care of other relatives while sporadically attending high school at Northam Senior High School through the end of year 11 classes.{{cite book |last1=Marshall |first1=Konrad |title=Stronger & Bolder |publisher=Slattery Media Group |location=Melbourne, Australia |isbn=9781743796375 |page=106}} He continued to experience housing uncertainty during his late teenage years, including living with extended family members, with his sister in Bunbury, with friends in Darwin and in a home for country footballers in Perth. At that time, Stack played Colts football for Perth in the junior ranks of the WAFL including in 2017 where he held averages of 18 disposals per game. Later that year he represented Western Australia at the 2017 2017 AFL Under 18 Championships. Despite being younger than most of those selected, Stack earned a spot in each of the side's four matches at the tournament, kicking two goals.{{cite news |last1=Waterworth |first1=Ben |title=AFL draft 2018, best prospects, players to watch: Nick Blakey, Rhylee West, Tarryn Thomas, Ian Hill |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2018-best-prospects-players-to-watch-nick-blakey-rhylee-west-tarryn-thomas-ian-hill/news-story/77786c2d51c0ef2d2e0ea08f56a7f0d9 |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=29 March 2018}} He also travelled to New Zealand as part of a junior Australian team that played the New Zealand national senior team in an exhibition match in April 2017. At the end of the 2017 season Stack played in an under 17s exhibition match at Simonds Stadium in Geelong.{{cite news |title=TOP DRAFT PROSPECTS INVITED TO COMBINE |url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2017/09/21/top-draft-prospects-invited-to-combine/ |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=SEN |publisher=Croc Media |date=21 September 2017}}
After earning selection to the Western Australian squad competing at the 2018 AFL Under 18 Championships, Stack was left out of the state's round 1 side for missing a compulsory training session the day after getting into a physical altercation over family disputes at a birthday celebration.{{cite book |last1=Marshall |first1=Konrad |title=Stronger & Bolder |publisher=Slattery Media Group |location=Melbourne, Australia |isbn=9781743796375 |page=108}}{{cite news |last1=Montesano |first1=Julia |title=HOW SUMICH PLAYED A PART IN STACK'S AFL INITIATION |url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2019/04/05/how-sumich-played-a-part-in-stacks-afl-initiation/ |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=SEN |publisher=Croc Media |date=5 April 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Cherny |first1=Daniel |title=WA gun left out of championships opener for disciplinary reasons |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/afl/wa-gun-left-out-of-championships-opener-for-disciplinary-reasons-20180601-p4zizt.html |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=WA Today |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=1 June 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Ralph |first1=Jon |title=Sydney Stack beats the odds to earn stripes for Richmond Tigers |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-stack-beats-the-odds-to-earn-stripes-for-richmond-tigers/news-story/9265e82991bcbdd51d976e30a9c13504 |access-date=2 May 2019 |work=Tee Australian |agency=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=4 April 2019}} He spent just one match on the sidelines however, earning a place in the tournaments second round where he was one of the state's best players with 23 disposals and four clearances.{{cite news |last1=Rynne |first1=Nick |title=Draft Watch: Five who impressed in WA's under-18 loss to Vic Metro at Optus Stadium |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-draft/draft-watch-five-who-impressed-in-was-under-18-loss-to-vic-metro-at-optus-stadium-ng-b88862018z |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=The West Australian |publisher=Seven West Media |date=10 June 2018}} In a later match against Vic Country, Stack recorded 22 disposals, thanks largely to a prolific second half performance.{{cite news |last1=Guthrie |first1=Ben |title=U18: Lion's little brother lights up WA win |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-29/u18-lions-brother-lights-up-wa-win |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=29 June 2018}} At the end of the tournament Stack was named All-Australian after he held an average of 21.3 disposals per match playing as a midfielder.{{cite news |last1=Balmer |first1=Matt |title=Under 18 All-Australian team announced: Including Izak Rankine, Jack Lukosius and Sam Walsh |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/under-18-allaustralian-team-announced-including-izak-rankine-jack-lukosius-and-sam-walsh/news-story/95732d89ea1e2b2731ceda8f4a77a218 |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=5 July 2018}}
In 2018 he also played three senior-level WAFL matches for Perth, and while playing at Colts level he received the club best and fairest award and was named in the WAFL Colts Team of the Year.{{cite news |title=2018 Jack Ensor Medallist: Sydney Stack |url=http://www.perthfc.com.au/news/15909/2018-jack-ensor-medallist-sydney-stack |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=Perth Football Club |date=28 September 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Doerre |first1=Christopher |title=AFL Draft Power Rankings: Unheralded trio break into top 20 |url=http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/24541564/afl-draft-chris-doerre-knightmare-power-rankings-unheralded-trio-break-top-20 |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=ESPN |date=1 September 2018}}{{cite news |last1=McArdle |first1=Jordan |title=AFL draft 2018: The WA talents still on the board after national draft |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl-draft/afl-draft-2018-the-wa-talents-still-on-the-board-after-national-draft-ng-b881030519z |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=Perth Now |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=23 November 2018}}
Despite strong on-field performances that year, Stack had recurring off-field issues that saw him forced out of the AFL Academy and Western Australian state academy for disciplinary reasons.{{cite news |last1=Ralph |first1=Jon |title=AFL Daily: Sydney Stack in talks over new contract, rolling footy news for Tuesday April 23, 2019 |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/afl-daily-live-rolling-footy-news-from-around-australia-for-tuesday-april-23-2019/live-coverage/ab17636bea3f0989d55eb80ad865e97e |access-date=2 May 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=22 April 209}}{{cite news |last1=Edmund |first1=Sam |title=How Sydney Stack went from being ignored in two drafts last year to cult hero status in four games |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/how-sydney-stack-went-from-being-ignored-in-two-drafts-last-year-to-cult-hero-status-in-four-games/news-story/810cef6a6f18d0553b3fd2f8810fcba5 |access-date=2 May 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=25 April 2019}}
=AFL recruitment=
Prior to the 2018 AFL draft Stack was lauded for his ability to apply on-ball pressure, for his composure in traffic and his clean ball use and well as his physical traits of speed and acceleration.{{cite news |last1=Doerre |first1=Chris |title=AFL Draft Power Rankings: SA jet surges to No. 2 |url=http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/24927745/afl-draft-chris-doerre-knightmare-power-rankings-sa-jet-surges-no-2 |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=ESPN |date=9 October 2018}}
In a late-October mock draft, ESPN predicted Stack to be taken with the 28th pick in the upcoming AFL draft, while in their draft-week predictions, Draft Central and Fox Footy forecast Stack to be selected with the 36th and 53rd overall picks respectively.{{cite news |last1=Doerre |first1=Chris |title=AFL Phantom Draft: Rounds 1, 2 |url=http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/25074968/afl-draft-phantom-chris-doerre-knightmare-first-two-rounds |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=ESPN |date=25 October 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Peter |title=2018 AFL Draft Central Phantom Draft |url=https://afl.draftcentral.com.au/2018/11/19/2018-afl-draft-central-phantom-draft/ |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=Draft Central |date=19 November 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Balmer |first1=Matt |title=AFL draft 2018: Hidden gems Phantom Draft ahead of day two of the AFL Draft |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2018-hidden-gems-phantom-draft-ahead-of-day-two-of-the-afl-draft/news-story/8d3bb5434217d36c91a3e585c856684e |access-date=4 April 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=23 November 2018}}
Despite those predictions, Stack was ultimately passed on by all 18 AFL clubs at the national and rookie drafts in 2018 due to concerns over his fitness and dedication to training standards.{{cite news |last1=Balmer |first1=Matt |title=The snubbed AFL draftees that deserve rookie lifelines |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/the-snubbed-afl-draftees-that-deserve-rookie-lifelines/news-story/4f9453b6b70cb18ac1c4588b35dcd0c1 |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=23 November 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Ralph |first1=Jon |title=Sydney Stack beats the odds to earn stripes for Richmond Tigers |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-stack-beats-the-odds-to-earn-stripes-for-richmond-tigers/news-story/9265e82991bcbdd51d976e30a9c13504 |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=5 April 2019}}
=Junior statistics=
{{AFL player statistics legend}}
Under 18 National Championships
{{AFL player statistics start}}
|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2017
| 8 || 4 || 2 || — || 17 || 24 || 41 || 12 || 11 || 0.5 || — || 4.3 || 6.0 || 10.3 || 3.0 || 2.8
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2018
| 14 || 3 || 1 || — || 24 || 41 || 65 || 5 || 8 || 0.3 || — || 8.0 || 13.7 || 21.7 || 1.7 || 2.7
|-
|- class="sortbottom"
! colspan=3| Career
! 7
! 3
! —
! 41
! 65
! 106
! 17
! 19
! 0.4
! —
! 5.9
! 9.3
! 15.1
! 2.4
! 2.7
|}
AFL career
=2019 season=
In the days following the 2018 draft, Stack was offered a chance to train with {{AFL Ric}} under a trial period basis.{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Nat |title=Tigers seek draft lifeline for overlooked WA star |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-11-26/tigers-seek-draft-lifeline-for-overlooked-wa-star |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 November 2018}} He moved to Melbourne in December 2018 and temporarily moved in with the family of coach Damien Hardwick.{{cite news |last1=Lacy |first1=Bridget |title=AFL draft 2018: Richmond set to offer Sydney Stack an AFL lifeline |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl-draft/afl-draft-2018-richmond-set-to-offer-sydney-stack-an-afl-lifeline-ng-b881031223z |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=Perth Now |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=24 November 2018}} Stack impressed during his trial and in February 2019, was signed by the club under the AFL's newly introduced pre-season supplemental selection rules.{{cite news |last1=Ralph |first1=Jon |title=Sydney Stack impressing at Richmond training but is yet to be signed as a rookie |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/sydney-stack-impressing-at-richmond-training-but-is-yet-to-be-signed-as-a-rookie/news-story/8a6ebf93278ddd052346bc5419fa297a |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=14 December 2018}}{{cite news |title=Tigers recruit Sydney Stack |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-02-11/tigers-recruit-sydney-stack |access-date=6 April 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=11 February 2019}}
File:Sydney Stack - 2019 Grand Final Parade.jpg
During his first AFL pre-season, Stack trained mostly with Richmond's backline unit after coaches recognised his poor aerobic fitness base that caused him to regularly vomit during running sessions would mean he could not play his natural position as an inside midfielder at AFL level.{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Sydney's hard work stacks up |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-02-11/sydneys-hard-work-stacks-up |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 February 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Gabelich |first1=Josh |title=How Richmond revelation Sydney Stack went from cautionary tale to cult figure |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/how-richmond-revelation-sydney-stack-went-from-cautionary-tale-to-cult-figure/news-story/05f84e39f6176a5ba6c632ebd9022a42 |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=7 June 2019}} Over the pre-season he found a focus in improving his aerobic fitness, which club officials highlighted as a key deficiency.{{cite news |title=Coaches' Corner: Sydney Stack |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-04-09/coaches-corner-sydney-stack |access-date=2 May 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 April 2019}} He played his first football for the club as a half-back in VFL practice matches in March before being named for a round 3 AFL debut against {{AFL GWS}} at Giants Stadium in Sydney.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Tigers scorch past Dons |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-03-02/vfl-tigers-scorch-past-dons |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=2 March 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=Cubs impress in VFL Tigers' win over Blues |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-03-21/vfl-match-report-v-northern-blues |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 March 2019}}{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first1=Marc |title=Tigers Stack attack with shock selection of teenager |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-04-04/tigers-stack-attack-with-shock-selection-of-teenager |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 April 2019}} Stack was among Richmond's best players in his debut match, kicking a goal, recording 17 disposals and taking eight marks.{{cite news |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=Seven-goal Jeremy Cameron guides Giants to big win over Richmond |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/seven-goal-jeremy-cameron-guides-giants-to-big-win-over-richmond-20190406-p51bk5.html?ref=rss |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=6 April 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Curley |first1=Adam |title=Giants get back on track with win over wounded Tigers |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-04-06/match-report-greater-western-sydney-v-richmond |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=6 April 2019}} He held his spot at AFL level the following week before recording 22 disposals against {{AFL Syd}} in round 5 where he was named among Richmond's best players by The Age.{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Peter |title=Relentless Richmond roll struggling Swans |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/afl/relentless-richmond-rolls-struggling-swans-20190420-p51fvq.html |access-date=2 May 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=20 April 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Sydney stacks up against Swans |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-04-22/sydney-stacks-up-against-swans |access-date=2 May 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 April 2019}} Stack gained significant fan and media attention in round 6's ANZAC Day eve win over {{AFL Mel}} where he took a spectacular mark that was nominated for the AFL's Mark of the Week and laid a brutal-but-legal bump on Melbourne captain Jack Viney that resulted in a two-week shoulder injury to the receiving Viney.{{cite news |last1=Harrington |first1=Annaa |title=AFL 2019: Richmond's new cult hero Sydney Stack arrives with a bang, bumping Jack Viney and taking a screamer |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2019-richmonds-new-cult-hero-sydney-stack-arrives-with-a-bang-bumping-jack-viney-and-taking-a-screamer/news-story/a989756ce142b2de457a19dbacd39428 |access-date=2 May 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=25 April 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Ramsey |first1=Michael |title=AFL 2019: Jack Viney set for sideline stint thanks to Sydney Stack bump |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2019-jack-viney-set-for-sideline-stint-thanks-to-sydney-stack-bump/news-story/03a1ea65af696bf73c053a0943a98dcd |access-date=2 May 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=29 April 2019}} After nine rounds of the season and seven matches AFL matches, Stack ranked fourth in total marks and total intercepts, fifth in effective disposals per game and eight in total rebound 50s among Rising Star eligible players.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Stack a real rising star |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-22/stack-a-real-rising-star |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 May 2019}} In round 10's Dreamtime at the 'G Indigenous culture celebration match, Stack participated in the club's pre-game war cry usually performed by non-playing club representatives.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Hardwick downplays fears on star forward's leg injury |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-25/hardwick-downplays-fears-on-star-forwards-leg-injury |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=25 May 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Edmund |first1=Sam |title=Richmond defeats Essendon by 23 points in Dreamtime at the G |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/dylan-shiel-and-jake-stringer-suffer-hamstring-injuries-as-richmond-holds-off-essendon-charge/news-story/2743ffdaf0529ce750d62f8409d38bea |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=25 May 2019}} The following week he posted a then career-best 24 disposals, five marks and four tackles in a loss to {{AFL NM}}, earning a nomination for the league's Rising Star award.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Stack continues to sparkle |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-01/stack-continues-to-sparkle |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 June 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Ben |title=Stacks on: High-flying, hard-hitting Tiger the latest Rising Star |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-03/stacks-on-highflying-hardhitting-tiger-the-latest-rising-star |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=3 June 2019}}{{cite news |last1=McClure |first1=Sam |title=A stack of love for Sydney at Richmond |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/a-stack-of-love-for-sydney-at-richmond-20190604-p51uaq.html |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=4 June 2019}} To that point, he ranked number one among Rising Star eligible players for total intercepts, second in total marks and seventh in both total disposals and tackles that season. Stack was named in the AFL Media Team of the Week for round 13 following as loss to {{AFL Ade}} in which he recorded 22 disposals.{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Team of the Week, R13: Who makes the cut? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-18/team-of-the-week-r13-who-makes-the-cut |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=18 June 2019}} 1116 SEN commentator Kane Cornes labelled Stack one of the biggest 'steals' in draft history following that match and ranked him as the second most promising player from his draft class.{{cite news |title=Stack a steal |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-15/stack-a-steal |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=15 June 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Cornes |first1=Kane |title=Sydney Stack could be the biggest draft steal ever, says Kane Cornes |url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/expert-opinion/kane-cornes/sydney-stack-could-be-the-biggest-draft-steal-ever-says-kane-cornes/news-story/721c25b1d32bae56e55dbe1898f2f5ed |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=The Advertiser |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=20 June 2019}} At the same time, Stack was ranked number one that season among Rising Star eligible players under Champion Data's AFL player ratings system.{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Who wins the Rising Star? Stats say gun Blue is not in the top three |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-21/who-wins-the-rising-star-stats-say-gun-blue-is-not-in-the-top-three |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 June 2019}} Following the club's mid-season bye and after the injury return of many of Richmond's senior leaders, Stack was shifted from the backline into a forward role for the club's round 15 match up against {{AFL StK}}.{{cite news |last1=Ben Collins and Callum Twomey |title='He's a very good player': Dimma lauds sensational Stack |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-30/sensational-stack-puts-on-a-firsthalf-masterclass |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=30 June 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Gabelich |first1=Josh |title=Richmond rookie Sydney Stack stars in attack against St Kilda, along with Mabior Chol |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/richmond-rookie-sydney-stack-stars-in-attack-against-st-kilda-along-with-mabior-chol/news-story/fb79ef3ca307196354b6571349f41f3a |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=30 June 2019}} He was exceptional in his first time playing that role, kicking four goals in a performance that saw him named among Richmond's best players by the Herald Sun, The Age and AFL Media.{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Saints fight for Richo, but rejuvenated Tigers prove too good |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-30/match-report-st-kilda-v-richmond |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=30 June 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Davutovic |first1=David |title=Sydney Stack puts on a show in Richmond's win over St Kilda |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/sydney-stack-puts-on-a-show-in-richmonds-win-over-st-kilda/news-story/44358b55be7249da1945c0bc358eb50a |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=1 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Warwick |title=Tigers run out winners in see-sawing contest with Saints |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-run-out-winners-in-see-sawing-contest-with-saints-20190630-p522ol.html |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=30 June 2019}} In addition, he was named best on ground by the coaches with nine votes in the AFLCA player of the year award and was also named to AFL Media's team of the week.{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Team of the Week, R15: Who makes the cut? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-07-02/team-of-the-week-r15-who-makes-the-cut |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=2 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Stack soars |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-02/stack-soars- |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=2 July 2019}} Stack remained as a forward through the month of July, kicking three goals over his next four matches but suffering calf soreness in the lead-up to round 20's match against {{AFL Mel}} that forced him to sit out that win.{{cite news |last1=Michael |first1=Luke |title=Tigers eye Giant test after massive win over Suns |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-07-06/damien-hardwick-postmatch |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=6 July 2019}}{{cite news |title=AFL 2019: Sydney Stack's potential goal of the year enhances Rising Star debate |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2019-sydney-stacks-potential-goal-of-the-year-enhances-rising-star-debate/news-story/f253a441d14c05f5fd14bc11aef08cee |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=14 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Healy |first1=Jonathan |title=Red-hot Tigers leapfrog flat Pies to jump into top four |url=https://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2019/19/coll-v-rich#/match-report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727063813/https://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2019/19/coll-v-rich#/match-report |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 July 2019 |access-date=9 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first1=Marc |title=TEAMS: Crows wield axe again, Roo dumped, Dockers swing five changes |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-08-01/teams-crows-wield-axe-again-roo-dumped-dockers-swing-five-changes |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Waterworth |first1=Ben |title=AFL 2019: Sydney Stacks leaves training track early — just hours after signing new Richmond contract |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2019-sydney-stacks-leaves-training-track-early-just-hours-after-signing-new-richmond-contract/news-story/f4e521fd7ea36ea269c8ed3c740d3b3b |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=1 August 2019}} He returned for one match at AFL level but was omitted from the senior side in round 22 following a 12 disposal performance.{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Travis |title=TEAMS: Big blokes feel the axe, Carlton dumps four |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-08-09/teams-big-blokes-feel-the-axe-carlton-dumps-four |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Travis |title=TEAMS: Tiger's shock axing, Giants lose five, big Hawks back |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-08-16/teams-sunday-round-22 |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=16 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Ben |title=UPDATE: Star Tiger set for surgery, season likely over |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-08-17/it-doesnt-look-good-cult-hero-tiger-stack-suffers-ankle-injury-in-vfl |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=18 August 2019}} Stack excelled with 15 disposals in the first half of his first match at VFL level since March, before suffering a serious ankle injury just before half time.{{cite news |last1=Kate Salemme and James Mottershead |title=Richmond excitement machine Sydney Stack suffers ankle injury in Tigers' VFL win |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/richmond-excitement-machine-sydney-stack-suffers-ankle-injury-in-tigers-vfl-win/news-story/616a3fdf7d23bf08cfa4cfa9f4cf8f35 |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=18 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Brenton |title=VFL Report: Round 20 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-17/vfl-r20-match-report |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 August 2019}} He underwent surgery to repair what was revealed to be a syndesmosis injury and with a recovery time frame of four weeks, was at risk of missing the entirety of the club's AFL and VFL finals series.{{cite news |title=Round 23 injury update |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-20/round-23-injury-update |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Sarah |title='We just have to win': Hardwick keeps it simple for Lions |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-08-23/we-just-have-to-win-hardwick-keeps-it-simple-for-lions |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 August 2019}} Stack resumed weight-assisted running one week after his surgery and was running unassisted and taking part in light drills by the middle of September.{{cite news |title=Stack not giving up on finals |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/stack-not-giving-up-on-finals-20190830-p52mht.html |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=30 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Sarah |title=Ghosts of prelim heartbreak don't haunt Tigers: Astbury |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-12/ghosts-of-prelim-heartbreak-dont-haunt-tigers-astbury |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 September 2019}} He returned to football in the club's VFL grand final, five weeks after his initial injury.{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Several VFL Tigers a 'strong possibility' to be rested due to key AFL injuries |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-20/tigers-lose-premiership-defender-for-final-quarter |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Vaughan |first1=Roger |title=Young Tiger's season not over yet, named for VFL GF |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-19/young-tigers-season-not-over-yet-named-for-vfl-gf |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |agency=AAP |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 September 2019}} Stack played on reduced minutes and suffered a fresh minor rolled ankle in the match, notching a total of six disposals as his side won the club's first reserves premiership since 1997.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Ben |title=Injury wrap: Huge Grand Final calls loom for Tigers, Giants |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-23/injury-wrap-huge-grand-final-calls-loom-for-tigers-giants |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Jennifer |title='Great player... great story': Tiger sensation pushes case for GF debut |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-22/tigers-sensation-pickett-pushes-case-for-gf-with-bestonground-performance |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 September 2019}} He was considered sufficiently fit to be named an emergency for the following week's AFL grand final, though he would go unselected in the final premiership-winning side.{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=GF TEAMS: Tigers' stunner, heartbreak for two Giants |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-26/grand-final-teams-richmond-and-gws-locked-in |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 September 2019}} At season's end, Stack placed third in the league's Rising Star award and was named in the AFL players' association's 22under22 team, which recognises the best young players in the league.{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Blue jet wins Rising Star award, but it's not unanimous |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-08-30/sam-walsh-wins-2019-nab-afl-rising-star |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=30 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Kolac |first1=Grace |title=Grimes voted AFL's Most Courageous |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-08-29/grimes-voted-afls-most-courageous |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=29 August 2019}} He also placed equal 13th in the club's best and fairest count and won the Cosgrove-Jenkins award as Richmond's best first year player.{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Rance, Graham tie for Francis Bourke Award |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-10-01/rance-graham-tie-for-francis-bourke-award |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 October 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Prestia captures Jack Dyer Medal |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-10-01/2019-jack-dyer-medal-winner |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 October 2019}}
=2020 season=
Prior to the start of the 2020 season, AFL statistics partner Champion Data rated Stack in the top tier "elite" category among general defenders in the league.{{cite news |last1=Cavanagh |first1=Christ |title=Richmond premiership forward Tom Lynch rated an 'average' player by Champion Data |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-premiership-forward-tom-lynch-rated-an-average-player-by-champion-data/news-story/613adf81da5be1a061e9e7d567cd41d5 |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=13 February 2020}}
He began pre-season training in November 2019 and spent the summer training as a half-back and a small forward.{{cite news |last1=Ralph |first1=Jon |title=Higgins and Stack stalk elusive flag with Richmond Tigers |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/higgins-and-stack-stalk-elusive-flag-with-richmond-tigers/news-story/ecb5945ed07f4ddb1aa3c421516fd8df |access-date=4 April 2020 |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=17 November 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Sarah |title=Livewire Tiger flying, star 'moving better than before the knee' |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/321081/livewire-tiger-flying-star-moving-better-than-he-was-before-the-knee- |access-date=4 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 December 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Sarah |title=Premiers begin title defence, Dusty finally picks up his car |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/266337/premiers-begin-title-defence-dusty-finally-picks-up-his-car |access-date=4 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=2 December 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Cleary |first1=Mitch |title=Tigers go head-to-head in intraclub |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/566141/tigers-go-head-to-head-in-intraclub |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 February 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Tiger cubs fit and firing |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/558121/tiger-cubs-fit-and-firing |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=30 January 2020}} He returned to the club's AFL lineup with appearances in each of the club's two pre-season matches, including a 20-disposal, eight-tackle outing in the final match of the series which also featured a spectacular mark over {{AFL GWS}} forward Toby Greene.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Ben |title=Tigers go down to Pies |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/570460/tigers-go-down-to-pies |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Gabelich |first1=Josh |title=Pre-season pearls: Greater Western Sydney star Toby Greene leads Giants to victory over Richmond in Marsh Community Series |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-preseason-gws-giants-vs-richmond-in-marsh-community-series/news-story/38a52c4c5f910d63dee8fef73c167554 |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=8 March 2020}} Stack's performances earned him selection for the season-opening win over Carlton a fortnight later, played under extraordinary conditions imposed on the league as a result of the rapid progression of the coronavirus pandemic into Australia.{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Tigers lock in Round 1 team |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/578059/tigers-lock-in-round-1-team |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=18 March 2020}}{{cite news |title=AFL to go ahead with round one of men's 2020 season amid coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-18/coronavirus-afl-round-one-announcement/12066394 |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title=Why coronavirus could force the AFL to play games without fans |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384419/why-coronavirus-could-force-the-afl-to-play-games-without-fans |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 March 2019}}{{cite news |last1=David Mark and James Coventry |title=AFL looking at cramming matches in case coronavirus outbreak postpones 2020 season |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-14/coronavirus-afl-looking-at-drastic-changes-to-premiership-season/12056848 |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=14 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Fast-starting Tigers shake off brave Blues in eerie opener |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/386977/fast-starting-tigers-shake-off-brave-blues-in-eerie-opener |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 March 2020}} In what the league planned would be the first of a reduced 17-round season, the match was played without crowds in attendance due to public health prohibitions on large gatherings and with quarter lengths reduced by one fifth in order to reduce the physical load on players who would be expected to play multiple matches with short breaks in the second half of the year.{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title=Coronavirus crisis: AFL makes call on round one |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384878/coronavirus-crisis-afl-makes-call-on-round-one |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 March 2020}}{{cite news |title=Coronavirus crisis and footy: The state of play |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384862/coronavirus-crisis-and-footy-the-state-of-play |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 March 2020}} Just three days later, the AFL Commission suspended the season for a indefinite period after multiple states enforced quarantine conditions on their borders that effectively ruled out the possibility of continuing the season as planned.{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title='Most serious threat in 100 years': AFL postpones season |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/389109/-most-serious-threat-in-100-years-afl-postpones-season |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 March 2020}}{{cite news |title=AFL suspends season in response to coronavirus, with AFLW season cancelled — but NRL plays on for now |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-22/coronavirus-afl-suspends-season-aflw-cancelled-nrl-plays-on/12079476 |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=23 March 2020}} After an 11-week hiatus, Stack contributed a career-low four disposals from half-back in a round 2 draw with {{AFL Col}} in early-June.{{cite news |title=AFL 2020 season will restart on June 11 following coronavirus shutdown |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-15/coronavirus-afl-2020-season-restart-on-june-11/12243778 |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=15 May 2020}}{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first1=Marc |title=It's a draw! All square in footy's nail-biting return |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/447326/it-s-a-draw-all-square-in-footy-s-nail-biting-return |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=11 June 2020}}{{cite news |title=In the mix: Who's pushing for selection in round three? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/449840/in-the-mix-who-s-pushing-for-selection-in-round-three- |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 June 2020}} He continued as a half-back for a further two matches, but was dropped from the club's round 5 side following multiple goal-costing errors among outputs that included six and four clangers in rounds 3 and 4, respectively.{{cite news |last1=Balmer |first1=Matt |title=Is something rank at Richmond? This horror moment is just the tip of an uglier iceberg |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-richmond-damien-hardwick-tom-lynch-jack-riewoldt-dustin-martin-2019-afl-grand-final-premiership-favourites/news-story/346af7ed7f60bd132ea032e28e6c96b5 |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=19 June 2020}}{{cite news |title=In the mix: Who's pushing for selection in round four? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/456324/in-the-mix-who-s-pushing-for-selection-in-round-four- |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=24 June 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Kalac |first1=Grace |title=Four Tiger changes for Demons clash |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/736312/four-tiger-changes-for-demons-clash |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=3 July 2020}} Stack played midfield minutes in two unofficial scratch matches held in place of the cancelled VFL season over the coming month, including one played alongside players from {{AFL Mel}} and {{AFL Gee}} due to the limited availability of players after a virus outbreak in Melbourne saw all Victorian-based clubs relocated to the Gold Coast with partial playing groups.{{cite news |last1=Jake Niall, Peter Ryan and Toby Crockford |title=AFL to move all Victorian clubs to Queensland to save season |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/queensland/afl-wants-to-move-hundreds-of-players-to-queensland-to-keep-season-alive-20200715-p55c6g.html |access-date=6 August 2020 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=15 July 2020}}{{cite news |title=Scratch match player summary v Demons |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/739183/scratch-match-player-summary-v-demons |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 July 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Gullan |first1=Scott |title=Richmond, Geelong and Melbourne played a practice game on the same team against Carlton in the Queensland hub |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond-geelong-and-melbourne-played-a-practice-game-on-the-same-team-against-carlton-in-the-queensland-hub/news-story/0784caa7ec63acd168dd71c63813fd0b |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=28 July 2020}} He was eventually recalled to AFL level in round 9, splitting time between the forward line and midfield for the first time in his career, while laying a then career-best seven tackles.{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first1=Marc |title=Tigers skipper, wrecking ball back but defender suffers setback |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/477037/tigers-skipper-wrecking-ball-back-but-defender-suffers-setback |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 July 2020}} Stack continued to play midfield and forward minutes in AFL matches through the club's round 13 Dreamtime in Darwin Indigenous celebration game, before a minor hip injury saw him miss the club's round 14 match against {{AFL WC}}.{{cite news |title=Coaches' Corner: Round 10 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/790346/coaches-corner-round-10 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=6 August 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Tigers make two changes |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/801754/tigers-make-two-changes |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 August 2020}} He returned to reserves level for one week, before committing a breach of the league's COVID-19 safety protocols in early September that saw Stack handed a league-imposed 10-match suspension. With Stack ineligible to compete in the remaining two regular season games or the finals series, he left the club's Gold Coast accommodation the following day, ending his season after nine matches at AFL level in 2020.
=2021 season=
After briefly returning to pre-season training in December 2020, Stack was remanded in custody in his home state of Western Australia later that month, after returning for a family matter and subsequently breaching the state's strict COVID-19 quarantine requirements.{{cite news |title=EARNING BACK RESPECT THE GOAL FOR STACK AND COLEMAN-JONES |url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/12/07/earning-back-respect-the-goal-for-stack-and-coleman-jones/ |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=1116SEN |publisher=Crocmedia |date=7 December 2020}}{{cite news |title=Richmond AFL player Sydney Stack arrested in Perth for allegedly breaking COVID-19 rules |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-20/sydney-stack-arrested-in-perth-allegedly-breaching-covid-19-rule/13002082 |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=20 December 2020}}
Stack was ineligible to play until round 5, given the remaining four matches on his 2020 suspension.
= 2022 season =
Stack was delisted at the end of the 2022 season, having only played 9 games over the past two seasons.{{Cite web |last=Sambul |first=Najma |date=2022-10-13 |title=Sydney Stack among four players delisted by the Tigers |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-stack-among-four-players-delisted-by-the-tigers-20221013-p5bpnp.html |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=The Age |language=en}}
Player profile
Stack is capable of playing many positions, including as a half-back or small forward, where he split his time in his first AFL and VFL seasons.{{cite news |title=Coaches' Corner: Sydney Stack |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/233476/coaches-corner-sydney-stack |access-date=4 April 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 April 2019}} Richmond's coaching staff said in 2019 that with improved fitness, Stack would be expected to move into a midfield role later in his AFL career.
AFL statistics
Updated to the end of round 23, 2022.{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/S/Sydney_Stack.html|title=Sydney Stack|publisher=AFL Tables|access-date=7 April 2019}}
{{AFL player statistics legend}}
{{AFL player statistics start}}
|-
| 2019
|{{AFL Ric}}
| 44 || 17 || 10 || 9 || 132 || 160 || 292 || 83 || 51 || 0.6 || 0.5 || 7.8 || 9.4 || 17.2 || 4.9 || 3.0
|-
| 2020{{efn|The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.}}
|{{AFL Ric}}
| 44 || 9 || 2 || 2 || 30 || 62 || 92 || 15 || 26 || 0.2 || 0.2 || 3.3 || 6.9 || 10.2 || 1.7 || 2.9
|-
| 2021
|{{AFL Ric}}
| 44 || 7 || 2 || 1 || 60 || 57 || 117 || 36 || 17 || 0.3 || 0.1 || 8.6 || 8.1 || 16.1 || 5.1 || 2.4
|-
| 2022
|{{AFL Ric}}
| 44 || 2 || 0 || 1 || 3 || 2 || 5 || 3 || 2 || 0.0 || 0.5 || 1.5 || 1.0 || 2.5 || 1.5 || 1.0
|- scope="row" style="background-color: #EAEAEA; font-weight:bold; text-align: center; width:2em" class="sortbottom"
| colspan=3| Career
| 35
| 14
| 13
| 225
| 281
| 506
| 137
| 96
| 0.4
| 0.4
| 6.4
| 8.0
| 14.5
| 3.9
| 2.7
|}
Notes
{{notelist}}
Honours and achievements
;AFL
- AFL Rising Star nominee: 2019
- Cosgrove-Jenkins Award (RFC Best First-Year Player): 2019
;VFL
;Junior
- Under 18 All-Australian: 2018
- WAFL Colts team of the year: 2018
- Perth Colts best & fairest: 2018
Personal life
Stack is cousin to {{AFL Col}} forward Bobby Hill and shares a relation to former {{AFL WB}} player Brennan Stack.{{cite news |last1=Lacy |first1=Bridget |title=AFL draft 2018: Sydney Stack finds peace in footy's rough and tumble |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-draft/afl-draft-2018-sydney-stack-finds-peace-in-footys-rough-and-tumble-ng-b881023654z |access-date=7 April 2019 |work=The West Australian |publisher=Seven West Media |date=17 November 2018}}
In November 2019, Stack began a relationship with Richmond AFL Women's midfielder Monique Conti.{{cite news |title=Richmond's Sydney Stack and Monique Conti appear to go public with their romance |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmonds-sydney-stack-and-monique-conti-appear-to-go-public-with-their-romance/news-story/29fe8b7b900f3bbf823657aa102f9807 |access-date=4 April 2020 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=4 December 2019}} The pair split in July 2020.{{cite news |title=Richmond romance between Sydney Stack and Monique Conti appears to be over |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-romance-between-sydney-stack-and-monique-conti-appears-to-be-over/news-story/f631ef47267cdfdc1f93e06acc7cd11a |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=6 August 2020}}
Stack began dating {{AFLW|Fre}} AFLW draftee Mikayla Morrison in December 2020.{{cite news |last1=Byrne |first1=Fiona |title=Sydney Stack reveals his new AFLW girlfriend |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/fiona-byrne/sydney-stack-reveals-his-new-aflw-girlfriend/news-story/89becbb11d3f34afedf685917b2bac44 |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=6 December 2020}}
He is an Aboriginal Australian man of the Noongar people.
Controversies
=COVID-19 restrictions breach=
In the early hours of the morning of 4 September 2020, Stack, alongside teammate Callum Coleman-Jones, was fined for Public Nuisance by Queensland Police following an alteration with a member of the public outside a Gold Coast kebab shop.{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Tom |title=Brawling Tigers sent home as AFL hands down HUGE punishment for strip club scuffle |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/breaking-tigers-stars-in-brawl-outside-gold-coast-strip-club/news-story/f0e7ad7594cecc4080bb1a2b78637c53 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=4 September 2020}} An AFL investigation was launched later that day to establish any breaches of the league's COVID-19 safety protocol that was designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to players by severely limiting interactions between players and the general public.{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title=Kicked out of Queensland: 10-match ban for Tiger pair, asked to pay huge fine |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/495991/afl-investigating-two-tigers-after-fight-outside-gold-coast-strip-club |access-date=5 September 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=5 September 2020}} The investigation ultimately found Stack and Coleman-Jones had committed three breaches, including engaging in the altercation, travelling in an Uber and visiting a "non-approved venue", which was named in media reports as a Gold Coast strip club.{{cite news |title=AFL statement on Richmond breach of protocols |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/496031/afl-sanction-breach-of-protocols |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 September 2020}} Each player was issued with a season-ending ten-match suspension for their infractions, and both left the Richmond's Gold Coast accommodation the following day.{{cite news |title=Club Statement: Stack and Coleman-Jones AFL protocol breach |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/806905/club-statement-stack-and-coleman-jones-afl-protocol-breach |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=4 September 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Tom |title=Suspended Richmond players Sydney Stack, Callum Coleman-Jones apologise for AFL COVID-19 breach |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-05/afl-richmond-sydney-stack-calum-coleman-jones-apologise/12633568 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=5 September 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Jon Ralph, Jay Clark and Glenn McFarlane |title=Richmond's Sydney Stack vows to make amends after getting into fight outside strip club |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-faces-huge-penalty-for-covid-breach-after-two-players-arrested-on-gold-coast/news-story/5b603fb0b861278f31a9684fad1ef29b |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=8 September 2020}} As a second breach that season, Richmond was also fined $75,000 and ordered to pay a previously suspended $25,000 charge from the earlier breach.{{cite news |last1=Cleary |first1=Mitch |title='Selfish', 'extremely remorseful': Tigers duo say sorry for late-night escapade |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/496386/-selfish-extremely-remorseful-tigers-duo-say-sorry-for-late-night-escapade |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=5 September 2020}}
=Western Australia COVID-19 breach and remand=
On 10 December 2020, Stack travelled to his home state of West Australia to attend a family funeral. After transiting through Adelaide airport, which was then a COVID-19 hotspot, Stack was subject a 14-day home isolation requirement per Western Australian public health laws, which he nominated to complete at a family home in Northam.
In the early hours of the morning of Saturday 19 December, Stack was stopped by police following alleged participation in a fight outside a nightclub in the Perth suburb of Northbridge.{{cite news |last1=Matthey |first1=James |title=Damning footage allegedly shows Sydney Stack breaking quarantine as street fight breaks out |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-star-sydney-stack-busted-for-breaking-quarantine-rules-again/news-story/c00271e043ed00edf01d89e81066c7e3 |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=21 December 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Justin Chadwick and Joey Riordan |title=Vision emerges of AFL player Sydney Stack in wild street fight, despite order to quarantine |url=https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/vision-emerges-of-afl-player-sydney-stack-in-wild-street-fight-despite-order-to-quarantine-c-1809022 |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=7News |agency=AAP |publisher=Seven West Media |date=21 December 2020}} He was arrested by police at the scene for allegedly breaching his isolation requirements, both by being out in public and by relocating to a Belmont residence in the days prior.{{cite news |last1=Pilat |first1=Lauren |title='My AFL career is on the line': Tiger Sydney Stack arrested over alleged breach of WA's quarantine laws after 'night out'h for allegedly breaking COVID-19 rules |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/western-australia/tiger-sydney-stack-allegedly-breached-western-australia-s-quarantine-laws-after-night-out-in-northbridge-20201220-p56p1w.html |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=20 December 2020}} He was charged with failing to comply with a direction and was refused bail at a preliminary hearing the following day.{{cite news |title=UPDATE: Stack to spend Christmas in jail after WA arrest |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/538896/update-stack-to-spend-christmas-in-jail-after-wa-arrest |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=AFL Media |agency=AAP |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 December 2020}}{{cite news |title=Richmond AFL player Sydney Stack to spend Christmas in custody |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-22/richmond-afl-player-sydney-stack-to-spend-christmas-in-custody/13006098 |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=22 December 2020}}
Stack was held on remand in Perth's Hakea Prison, where he completed a fresh 14-day health isolation period.{{cite news |last1=McNeill |first1=Heather |title=AFL player Sydney Stack 'distressed' about spending Christmas behind bars for Perth 'quarantine breach' |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/western-australia/afl-player-sydney-stack-distressed-about-spending-christmas-behind-bars-for-perth-quarantine-breach-20201221-p56p8m.html |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=21 December 2020}} He was granted bail after a bail application hearing on 8 January 2021 and following a total of 19 days in the prison.{{cite news |last1=Colangelo |first1=Anthony |title='Bewildering experience': Stack granted bail, released from prison |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-s-stack-granted-bail-to-be-released-from-prison-20210108-p56sph.html |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=8 January 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Shannon Hampton and Rangi Hirini |title=Sydney Stack has walked free from prison after taking his fight for bail to the Supreme Court |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/news/sydney-stack-back-in-court-over-alleged-covid19-selfquarantine-breaches/news-story/14362270e102e6872db30c6a21b1a7c7 |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=9 January 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Cleary |first1=Mitch |title='A terribly challenging time': Stack released from jail |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/540005/-a-terribly-challenging-time-stack-released-from-jail |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 January 2021}} Stack eventually pleaded guilty on one count of failing to comply with a direction at a Magistrates Court hearing on 20 January, and remained on bail until a sentencing hearing on 25 March.{{cite news |last1=McNeill |first1=Heather |title=Richmond's Sydney Stack pleads guilty to WA quarantine breach |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-s-sydney-stack-pleads-guilty-to-wa-quarantine-breach-20210120-p56vkv.html |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=20 January 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Ramsey |first1=Michael |agency=AAP |title=Tiger Stack pleads guilty to breaching WA's COVID-19 laws |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/541876/tiger-stack-pleads-guilty-to-breaching-wa-s-covid-19-laws |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=20 January 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Menagh |first1=Joanna |title=Richmond AFL player Sydney Stack guilty of COVID breach after visiting Northbridge |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-20/richmond-afl-player-sydney-stack-guilty-of-covid-breach/13074498 |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=20 January 2021}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Richplayer}}
- {{AFL Tables}}
- {{AustralianFootball}}
- {{WAFL FootyFacts}}
- [https://afl.draftcentral.com.au/player/sydney-stack/ Sydney Stack's profile] at AFL Draft Central
{{2019 AFL Rising Star nominees}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stack, Sydney}}
Category:Australian rules footballers from Western Australia
Category:Perth Football Club players
Category:Richmond Football Club players
Category:Indigenous Australian players of Australian rules football