Gary Rohan has been counting his blessings ever since the final siren sounded on the Sydney Swans’ preliminary final win over Geelong.

Hopes were all but dashed the previous week when the speedster lay dejected on a medicab and taken from SCG.

Given Rohan’s history with injuries, every one of the 38,136 fans who stood and clapped the 25-year-old from the ground would have feared the worst.

But someone was smiling on the 78-gamer who made a miraculous recovery to not only play but star in the 36-point win which delivered the Sydney Swans a 17th grand final appearance.

Rohan’s endured a trying journey to this point in time.

A horrific leg break ended his 2012 season prematurely, meaning the luckless Swan watched on from the sidelines as his teammates clinched a famous victory.

Season 2014 was supposed to be his time, his premiership teammates time again, but that hope came crashing down early into that disappointing game against Hawthorn.

Feeling fit and with an air of ‘X-factor’ about him, Rohan could not be more prepared for what Saturday has in store.

“The feeling I felt and saw in the boys in 2012, the excitement they had in their face, I was excited but shattered I didn’t play,” Rohan said.

“In 2014, I was absolutely devastated. I’ll be doing everything I can not to have those feelings again.”

After a quiet qualifying final, Rohan began well before but the injury struck curtailed what was a promising semi.

He quickly dispelled any lingering doubts with an explosive 18-disposal, two-goal performance against the Cats.

Rohan believes he’ll be able to kick another gear when the Swans and Bulldogs do battle at 2.30pm on Saturday.

“I’ve had a couple of up and down games (this finals series) but hopefully I can step it up again this week,” he said.