Sydney Swans defender Nick Malceski believes the depth of the Swans list will be a strength for the club this season.

Just days out from the season opener against GWS at ANZ Stadium, Malceski said competition will be fierce for selection in this weekend’s game.

“We’ve got some good depth at the club and I think we’ve only got a couple of (injuries) with Alex Johnson and Gary Rohan on our injury list,” Malceski told SwansTV.

“We’ve got a big squad to choose from and a lot of blokes have been playing good footy in the pre-season games.”

The premiership defender said the club’s new recruits have also added to the depth, with recently elevated rookie Dane Rampe and round one draftee Dean Towers leading the charge.

“Obviously Dane Rampe has been good,” Malceski said.

“He’s been probably one of the best on in the pre-season games, and he’s been very good and solid and I reckon he’s going to do well.

“Also Dean Towers is one who has impressed me with just his speed when he gets the footy as well as his closing speed when he is defending, which is impressive too.”

Re-visit sydneyswans.com.au at 6:25 pm tonight for the announcement of the round one team and SwansTV’s Ins and Outs with coach John Longmire

Malceski will line up for the Swans this weekend after finishing the 2012 season in scintillating form, capping off a terrific finals’ campaign with the match winning goal in the Grand Final victory.

The half-back then started 2013 on the front foot, kicking two goals from his first two kicks in the Swans’ NAB Cup win over Gold Coast at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Despite his goalkicking exploits, the long-time defender said he didn’t expect to creep down the ground too often this season.

“I doubt it very much – I just got lucky in a couple of games and kicked a couple of goals,” he said.

“It is nice to sneak up there if my half-forward (opponent) sneaks up there and I can sneak to the back of the stoppage, it would be nice, but it comes and goes each game.”

Malceski said that he couldn’t wait for the season to all start again following an injury-interrupted pre-season, which saw him miss the first two matches.

The defender said despite a calf concern in early February, he was fit and ready to take the field.

“Obviously pre-season is long and tough, so it’s good to get back out there this weekend and face the Giants, who have been an improved team this year,” he said.

“The body is feeling great – I had a couple of hiccups with my calf early but all is good now and the body is feeling ready to go for round one.”

The 2013 pre-season also welcomed a new arrival into the Malceski family, with little Harrison arriving on January 13.

“Mini Mal is going alright,” Malceski said of baby Harrison.

“He’s going alright and he’s healthy, although he’s got a cold at the moment and he’s kept me up at night.

“I love him to bits and hopefully we can get him on SwansTV soon!”