Ruckman Sam Naismith has grown in confidence since he played his first senior game of the season in Round 16 against Geelong.
Ruckman Kurt Tippett returned to the senior side last weekend to form a partnership with the emerging big man with the pair set to be a handful for Richmond on Saturday.
Naismith has played the past seven games and has assumed the number one ruck role in the absence of Tippett and Callum Sinclair (knee), but the 24-year-old is still on edge about his spot in the side ahead of the finals, despite his form.
Sinclair still isn't in full training after surgery in late July, but could be fit to take the field in week one or two of the finals series.
"I've just being trying to play my role in the team, I wouldn't say I've cemented my spot," Naismith said.
"We've still got Callum Sinclair to come back, so hopefully I stay in, but I'll take that as it comes.
"This will be my first finals series if I'm playing, so it's just about trying to put in the hard work so there's no reason not to pick me."
Naismith has overcome serious groin and hand injuries in his four seasons at the club, but fought his way off the rookie list twice, and is starting to repay the Swans' faith in his obvious talent.
The boy from the small country town of Gunnedah in north east New South Wales is another Swans academy graduate, and said he's benefitted greatly from working closely with Tippett, Sinclair and the Swans' other big men, Toby Nankervis and Tom Derickx.
"They've all played senior footy and it's been great learning from them," he said.
"It's a very competitive environment coming through with all the big blokes, and everyone is pushing for a spot and sharing their knowledge.
"It's been a step up from the NEAFL but playing with guys like Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker makes the transition easier, it's a massive help.
"My confidence is growing with every game and hopefully it can continue."
Star forward Lance Franklin remains likely to face Richmond after taking part in light training duties at the SCG on Thursday.
Franklin copped a heavy knock to his hip in last week's nine-point win over North Melbourne, but played out the game after receiving treatment from the Swans' medical staff.
The Swans are confident the 29-year-old will play in the side's last game of the regular season, but if there is any query over his fitness, Franklin is sure to sit out of round 23 to prepare for the opening week of the finals.
Co-captain Kieren Jack looks certain to be recalled for Saturday's match after overcoming the ankle injury that forced him out of the Swans' win over the Kangaroos.
Jack rolled his ankle at training last Thursday and didn't make the trip to Tasmania, but showed no signs of the injury on the track this week.
