In just his second season at the club, Luke Parker is now a premiership player.

The 19-year-old, who was the youngest man on field in this year’s AFL Grand Final, played as the substitute in all three of the Swans’ finals matches.

Parker played 19 games in total this season - missing a number of weeks with a broken collarbone - to bring his career games tally to 32 in two seasons.

Reflecting on his performance this year, Parker told sydneyswans.com.au that 2012 was a season he will never forget.

How would you sum up your season in 2012?

Personally, it was a little bit up and down with injuries but to be involved in what occurred on the (Grand Final) weekend was just an amazing experience and something I’ll cherish forever.

You had a couple of injuries this season, how hard was it to fight your way back into the senior team?

The first (injury) I was able to keep playing on but with the collarbone, at that point, I thought my season might have been over for a little bit. When I came back, I just wanted to work my butt off for the rest of the season and push my way back into the senior team, which I was lucky enough to do.

Did you make any improvements in your game this year?

I guess I got more experience in the midfield, particularly at the start of the season. I’ve continued to learn off the older blokes like Ryan O’Keefe and Jude Bolton, who still took their game to another level and stepped up again, so to be learning off those blokes is great because they are such amazing mentors.

Have you had a personal mentor this year?

I’ve had Jude as my mentor, and he just stripped back my game and told me to go out and play my role. He’s played that forward/midfield role this year and has probably sacrificed a bit of his natural game, and that’s just something I’ve learned off him. It’s not always about possessions or anything, but he’s the one who is always putting on the pressure and the scoring assists and those sorts of things.

How does it feel to be compared to a young Jude Bolton?

It really is an honour that people are looking at me as a Jude Bolton-type. The way he handles himself around the club and the leadership and respect he’s got off everyone is just amazing and something I would love to aspire to.

You were the sub in all three finals this year - is it tough to come on late in the game?

It is tough. You always have to be ready to come on. Through the finals we had a few injuries early in the game so I was up and running early and trying to get psyched up for a game, but then would have to sit down and wait for another quarter.

For me to be included in this team at this time of year at 19 years of age, I don’t think too many other 19-year-olds would have a medallion around their neck.

How did it feel being the sub in the Grand Final?

I was just trying to stay in the game really. I know the boys were probably getting a bit annoyed from it, but I was just talking to them about what was happening in the game and just trying to keep my head in the game to make sure that when I came on I played my role and had an influence.

What was your most memorable moment of the Grand Final?

It would probably be after Mal’s goal. I think I was trying to chase him but no one could catch him. That was probably the main thing, and also just when the siren went I think I ran to the closest person and tackled them or hugged them.

The crowd really got taken out of it when the final siren sounded, it was just us 22 boys out there showing that we’ve made history and that we’re a part of history.

How does it feel to be a premiership player?

The older blokes say to not take it for granted, so I definitely won’t.

What are your plans for the off-season?

I’m heading overseas to Mexico for a little bit with a few boys, so it should be a good time.