Harry Marsh spoke candidly during the week of the nerves experienced leading up to the Round 9 clash against reigning premier Hawthorn.

He was an emergency.

Fast forward seven days then, one could only imagine the nervous energy the 22-year-old would have felt going into Friday night’s blockbuster against the undefeated North Melbourne in front of a packed SCG crowd.

He was about to play his first senior game.

But whatever nerves had stirred the first-gamer before the opening bounce were gone as Marsh made a smooth transition to AFL football.

“It’s the best feeling in the world to be honest with you,” he said post-match.

“It was such a great win too. When the final siren went I was over the moon. It was a great performance from the boys and, personally, such a great feeling.”

In front of nearly 38,500 people and up against the benchmark side of the competition so far this season, the Swans’ sixth debutant of 2016 never looked out of sorts in defence collecting 13 disposals.

His competitiveness and composure was a standout.

“He’s 189cm so he’s giving away a bit of height, especially tonight after we lost Teddy, but he just competes so hard,” coach John Longmire said.

“He deserved his chance tonight and it has been a good start for him.”

This is Marsh’s fourth year on the list, having been selected in the 2012 National Draft. After three years trying to break into the senior side, Marsh was delisted at the end of last season before the Swans re-drafted him as a rookie.

He was promoted to the senior list before being named as an emergency for the Hawks game.

His roller coaster of a fortnight, his performance and the noise from the crowd will be something the Western Australian will never forget.

“Obviously coming from the NEAFL, we’re lucky to have 100 people there watching,” he said.

“You don’t realise how loud it is until you’re trying to play and organise blokes around you. It was just incredible to be out there playing.”