Sydney defender Nic Newman has banked one finals campaign and is feeling the buzz ahead of his next, declaring “it’s what you play footy for” ahead of the Swans’ elimination final against the Giants at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.

The 25-year-old faced Essendon in Sydney’s 2017 elimination final as 46,323 fans poured into the SCG, a record AFL crowd for the Moore Park venue.

He met Geelong at the Cattery the following week and is again full of energy ahead of the clash with GWS.

“It’s really exciting around the group at the moment,” Newman told SwansTV.

“It’s what you play footy for – to play finals.

“We’ve had a pretty good year and our form over the past month has been really pleasing. It’s been nice to get ourselves in a position to compete for the premiership cup and it’s really exciting.

“I was lucky enough to do it last year against Essendon. It was an unbelievable experience and I’m really looking forward to running out there again in front of the fans here.”

Newman had to bide his time in the NEAFL in the early part of the season but his chance arose in Round 17 as Aliir Aliir’s match-winner sealed a thrilling six-point victory at Etihad Stadium.

The elegant left-footer gathered 16 possessions in a strong display at half-back and hasn’t looked back since, stringing together seven games in a row on the road to the finals.

Newman says he’s rapt to be finding consistent time in the AFL.

“I was up and down a little bit in the early parts of the year,” Newman said.

“I played some NEAFL footy for a period there and it’s been really nice to be back in the team for the last seven or so weeks. I feel like I’m playing my role and hopefully I can take that into the Giants game.”

Newman said the Swans were wary of the Giants’ wheels.

“Their outside speed and run is a big one,” Newman said.

“They’ve got some really damaging players like Lachie Whitfield, Dylan Shiel – those really elite runners. They’re the main things we look out for.”