Adam Tomlinson earned his spot in the Giants' senior side after dominating the NEAFL as a midfielder, but it's in defence that he'll be of most value for Greater Western Sydney's during this year's finals.
Tomlinson, who was dropped from Leon Cameron's team three times before the mid-season bye, refused to give up on his dream of running out with his teammates in September, and his patience paid off.
The 23-year-old struggled early in the season, but churned out some amazing numbers in the reserves, averaging 32 touches and 10 marks in nine games, including a 52-possession effort against the Brisbane Lions in round eight.
Cameron knew the versatile Victorian deserved another chance, which came in round 16 when Tomlinson's request for the job on Collingwood forward Travis Cloke was granted, and while that day didn't pan out as he'd hoped the big Magpie kicked four goals and took 12 marks, but was later fined by the AFL for wearing a non-approved glove Tomlinson hasn't missed a game since.
"I really do love playing in the backline, it's a team within a team," Tomlinson said.
"Playing with Phil (Davis) and 'Heater' (Heath Shaw) gives you a lot of confidence.
"If you take a pretty bold position by standing in front of the forwards, it's because you know that you've got Phil behind you telling you to do it and it forces you to do it.
"They give you confidence in how you play your football and this is the most settled I've felt in a position for a while and it has given me a lot of confidence, especially over the past month."