Hayden McLean has been in and out of the Sydney Swans team since he arrived at the club in 2019, but this weekend he finds himself reaching the 50-game milestone after what has been a breakout season for him.
McLean was selected for the 2022 Grand Final after he hadn't played since Round 8, and whilst it was a tough day for himself and the Swans, he has gone on to cement his spot in the senior side, playing 18 games this season - including every game since Round 5.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, McLean said that his work over the off-season has allowed him to perform strongly this season.
"I think just maturing in myself... maturing in my body and doing a lot of work with Bud, Reidy and the other forwards around that and just maturing and having confidence in myself," McLean said.
"I think I've always had that self-belief it's just a matter of opportunities, trying to play early and coming from a different way you've got to get that respect pretty quick.
"It's been really enjoyable this year, having a lot of love for footy and the club and the boys."
Accuracy has not been McLean's strongest area this season, having kicked 15 goals for the season at 55.6 per cent accuracy. However, he enjoyed a career-best outing against GWS last weekend, kicking a game-high four goals.
"We did a lot of work out here and sometimes it just clicks... just felt confident on the weekend," McLean said on his goalkicking work.
McLean is out of contract at season's end but has ruled out a potential move back home to Victoria, with his manager starting discussions with the Swans' list management.
"I love the club, love the boys here. That's just up to the manager, he's talking to the club here at the moment they're doing that in the background. I'm just focused on week-in, week-out and putting in the best performance I can," McLean said.
"I've loved the club here, I guess they took the risk on me early days and it's always good to repay them."
With the Swans back in finals contention after winning their last four games, McLean said the group is just taking each game as it comes, but is confident in their abilities, particularly after their grand final loss last season.
"Each week we'll just be focused on that game ahead, there's always confidence within the group especially doing it last year, we know we can do it," McLean said.
"Each week we just grow."
The Swans will host the Gold Coast Suns at the SCG on Saturday afternoon at 1:45pm (AEST).
