Sydney Swans livewire James Rose is thrilled to have strung together consecutive senior games for the first time since 2016.

The 23-year-old managed just nine AFL matches over his first four seasons in red and white, but he’s since featured in Sydney’s back-to-back wins over West Coast and Hawthorn at the SCG.

After booting a clutch goal on the run early in the Swans’ match against the Eagles before the bye, Rose tallied 17 touches in a commendable performance in the clash with the Hawks on Friday night.

Rose says he’s rapt to be seeing the fruits of his tireless effort.

“It’s a good feeling knowing the hard work I’ve put in during the pre-season and in the NEAFL is paying off,” Rose told SwansTV.

“The goal over the remainder of the year is to stay in the senior side and play finals footy. I think reaching the finals is still a realistic expectation with the group we have. But on a personal note, I want to stay in the senior team for as long as possible and contribute. Hopefully I can continue to find my feet and cement my spot in the team.”

Rose had averaged 30 disposals and one goal per match over seven NEAFL games en route to his AFL recall.

He faced the likes of gun West Coast midfielders Andrew Gaff and Luke Shuey on return to top-flight footy, before meeting names like Jaegar O’Meara and Isaac Smith in the Hawthorn clash. 

Rose says the jump from the NEAFL to senior footy is steep. 

“The step up from NEAFL footy to AFL footy is pretty fierce,” Rose said.

“You don’t have as much time; you’re closed in on pretty quickly. It’s something I’ve got to keep building on and getting used to.”

Rose thanked the 29,533 supporters who braved the brisk winter weather on Friday night.

“I nearly rocked the long sleeves – that’s how cold it was,” Rose laughed.

“It means so much to have the fans turn out. The energy the crowd brings is electric.”