The wife of AFL legend Kieren Jack has shared a poignant message with her social media followers and the footy star's family, as the couple celebrated a significant relationship milestone this week.
A Telling Anniversary Message
Charlotte Goodlet posted a wedding day photograph to Instagram featuring herself and her husband, with the caption '7 years married. Zero itch' written across the image. The post arrives after years of public discussion about their relationship and its impact on Jack's family dynamics.
The couple's romance had been at the centre of a growing divide between Kieren and his parents, nurse Donna and rugby league great Garry Jack. While Swans management were aware of the underlying tensions, the situation remained private until Donna Jack decided to make the family dispute public.
The Public Explosion of a Private Feud
Insiders suggested tensions had been simmering for years due to lifestyle differences, the perceived influence of Charlotte, and what some interpreted as jealousy from Kieren's parents as he grew closer to his partner's family.
The situation erupted publicly on July 4, 2016, when Donna Jack sent a tweet that read: '@kjack_15 so sad. Dad 200 RL you 200 AFL & you don't want us there, your parents. No appreciation for all the yrs helping you get there.'
This message was triggered when Kieren chose to give club-issued tickets for his milestone 200th AFL match with the Sydney Swans to his future in-laws rather than his parents. The fallout extended through the family, with Kieren's brothers taking sides - Rhys publicly supporting their parents, while Brandon, also a former Swans player, backed Kieren.
Moving Forward Despite the Drama
Despite the very public nature of their relationship's difficult start, the couple have no regrets after seven years of marriage. The premiership winner and Channel Seven star tied the knot in 2018 at Allview Escape in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, following a two-year engagement.
The rift continued to manifest in significant ways, with Jack's parents not attending the 2016 AFL grand final between the Swans and Western Bulldogs, claiming they hadn't been contacted by anyone from the club.
Swans staff had privately referred to Kieren's parents as 'the Hungry Jacks' due to their reputation for seeking freebies and special treatment from the club. Garry Jack, who played more than 200 games for Balmain Tigers and represented Australia in 22 Tests, found himself at the centre of the very public disagreement.
Recent developments indicate healing has occurred in the once-fractured relationship. Footy fans noticed warmer messages from Garry about his son on social media, and Kieren has confirmed they have reconciled. The arrival of Kieren and Charlotte's son, Alfie, played a crucial role in making this reconciliation possible.
'[Alfie] was part of the reason we wanted to reconnect, too,' Kieren told the Sydney Morning Herald earlier this year, marking a new chapter for the family after years of estrangement.
