That was the experience for the premiership defender on Saturday morning, after the Sydney Swans secured a place in their second grand final in three years following a scintillating 71-point win over North Melbourne on Friday night.
Speaking to media at recovery on Saturday morning, Malceski said the Swans performance on Friday night was a stark contrast to the way the side exited the finals last season.
“Obviously missing out against Freo last year, it’s a bit of a different feeling,” Malceski said.
“I woke up with a beer last year but I had a coffee this morning, so it’s a much better feeling.
“I’m very excited and all of the boys are very excited."
Malceski, who was one of the Swans' premiership heroes in 2012, couldn't wipe the smile off his face on Saturday when asked about the week ahead.
The All-Australian defender said there was nothing better than being a part of Grand Final week, and said he couldn't wait to share the feeling with his team mates who were yet to experience the thrill of reaching a decider.
“The week is just unbelievable and is probably one of the best weeks of your life,” he said.
“Just to be able to experience that and especially for the guys who haven’t experienced it yet ,like the young guys and Benny McGlynn who has missed out a couple of times, it’s just an amazing week."
Following Friday night's victory over the Kangaroos, which saw the Swans apply relentless pressure and lead at every change, Malceski said he felt his team couldn't be better prepared for next week's challenge against Hawthorn.
“(Friday) night’s game was really good,” he said.
“We did what we wanted to do and brought the pressure, and in finals football it’s all about pressure.
“We did that (Friday) night, so we’re just going to have to do it again."
It wasn't just the senior Swans who led the way in Friday's preliminary final win, with the likes of young guns Luke Parker, Harry Cunningham and Gary Rohan stepping up for the side.
Malceski said Rohan's terrific form in particular would be a major bonus for the Swans in the decider.
"Gaz played really well (Friday) night", he said
“He’s breaking the lines and no one can really tackle him because he’s lightning quick.
“He had a few blunders against Fremantle but he cleaned it up this week and he’s going to be a danger for any team we play.
“I’ve given him a few tips and me and Shawy (Rhyce Shaw) have been talking to him a little bit, but he’s been grabbing it with both hands."
Malceski was also another strong performer for the Swans, with his pin-point field kicking and run out of defence benefitting the team.
The 30-year-old said he was pleased to be playing his best football at the right time of the year.
“I’ve had a good year and I feel like I’ve improved on last year and that’s what I wanted to do," he said.
“Going into this year I just wanted to improve and be more consistent, because I think last year I dropped off towards the end of the year just with everything.
“I think I got a couple of injuries and didn’t really fight well through them and I felt like this year just with a few niggles, I’ve pushed through it a bit better and I’ve had a more complete season."
Malceski also confirmed he had no concerns with his hamstring which he injured in the Swans' qualifying final win over the Dockers a fortnight ago.
“It was good," he said
“My hamstring is in one piece, which is good and I was fine.
“I did all the preparation and I did nothing for a week, which was really helpful and just took it easy and had a lot of physio and did everything I could.
“It felt good – everything was a bit tight around it after the game but the hamstring was fine."
