Harry Marsh is proof persistence really does pay off.

Selected in the 2012 National Draft, Marsh has waited more than three seasons for an opportunity at senior level.

Thankfully, all of his hard work and patience has paid off with Marsh selected to debut in Friday night’s Marn Grook at the SCG against North Melbourne.

“I just can’t wait to get out there,” Marsh said.

“North Melbourne are having a ripper season. They’re undefeated, Friday night, at the SCG – it doesn’t come much bigger than that.”

It didn’t come as a total shock with Marsh, who was delisted and re-drafted at the end of the 2015 season, promoted to the senior list again ahead of last weekend’s clash against Hawthorn.

He was named for the trip to Melbourne as a travelling emergency.

“I was obviously happy to be upgraded, I knew I was in contention for at least the next couple of weeks,” he said.

“But it was still a big shock.”

Assistant coach Henry Playfair, his defensive coach this season, was the man to deliver the news during the week.

Marsh recalled: “He pulled me into his office with Horse (John Longmire), held out his hand and said ‘Congrats, you’re playing your first game’

“Obviously I was over the moon; I didn’t really know how to react. I had to wait a bit to give my folks a call so they’ll be flying up for the game tomorrow.”

It’s reward for effort having been a consistent performer with the NEAFL Swans of late, rewarded after a stellar season with selection in last year’s NEAFL Team of the Year alongside fellow debutant George Hewett.

Marsh follows Hewett, Callum Mills, Tom Papley, Allir Allir and Jack Hiscox as players to debut so far in season 2016.