Defender Nic Newman understands the challenge he faces in trying to gain a spot in the Round 1 team to take on Port Adelaide.

Newman was one of the young players to impress against North Melbourne in the opening JLT Series match with 19 disposals.

The 24-year-old who was taken in the 2015 rookie draft was elevated to the senior list over the summer and will be looking to make his senior debut in 2017.

A hard-running defender who uses the ball well by foot he has consistently shown strong form at NEAFL level over the last 12 months.

Newman said he was determined to work hard for the remainder of the pre-season as he pushes for a place in the side for the season opener at the SCG.

“It was nice to get upgraded but the work is all in front of me so I just have to play well now to try and lock down a spot in that senior team,” Newman said.

“Spots in the team are pretty competitive at the moment which is only a good thing for the club.”

Newman said the side was once again using the pre-season competition as the perfect opportunity to tinker with the game plan in the lead up to the start of the season.

“It is all about the lead up to Round 1 and we will get a couple of the senior guys back over the next couple of weeks,” he said.

“For us it is just about building towards Round 1 to get what we need to out of it in terms of structures and game time.

“It is all about Round 1 for us.”

The Swans next JLT Community Series match will come against the Giants on March 3 at Blacktown International Sportspark at 7.40pm.