SYDNEY Swans defender Nick Malceski has endured more than most in his AFL career, but a premiership at the MCG on Saturday would form part of a stellar 12 months for the 28-year-old.

Injuries have been a constant and unwanted companion for Malceski, who in 2008 infamously underwent the first LARS synthetic knee surgery in Australian sport, among three ruptured knees for his career.

Last season, his ninth at the Swans since being drafted in 2002, Malceski finally brought up his 100th game, but a groin problem and some disappointing form ruled him out of the 2011 finals series.

Named an emergency for the 2005 premiership triumph, Malceski featured in the unsuccessful return Grand Final against West Coast the following year, the closest he has come to a premiership.

It has unquestionably been a difficult journey, but Malceski can leave it all behind with victory against Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon.

"It was a long time ago 2006 and I was only young and thought it would happen every year," Malceski said during Friday's Grand Final Parade.

"But obviously it doesn’t and it's good to be part of it this year.

"I've done my knee twice since the last one.

"Finally getting here again, we've got a great opportunity, and hopefully we can capitalise."

Despite all the roadblocks, Malceski still has every reason to break out a smile behind his heavily bearded face, as he did regularly during the parade.

Malceski married his partner Laura in November last year and has been a key member of the Swans' march into the Grand Final.

And there is more good news to come, with his first child due in January.

An advocate of positive thinking, Malceski never doubted he would have a chance to contest another Grand Final, even after rupturing his knee for the third time heading into the 2011 season.

"It's not a good way to be thinking. You just have to be positive," he said.

"It's a setback when you do an ACL, more for your confidence I think.

"I struggled at the end of last year and didn't end up playing finals.

"I came back this year and started off well and then went through a slow patch and I'm starting to find some form now, which is good.

"Everyone's in good form at our club, which is positive.

"It's a good group of blokes at the footy club and we're all playing our role each week and we're lucky enough to be in this position.

"Tomorrow is just an opportunity for us and hopefully we can take it."

Asked if the journey he has travelled will make a premiership all the sweeter, Malceski said: "Ask me tomorrow. We'll find out when the final siren goes."

James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD