What started out as a game of cards with teammates turned into a dream come true for first-year recruit James Rose.

Rose sat down alongside fellow youngsters Isaac Heeney, Abe Davis, Lewis Melican, George Hewett, Sean McLaren and Jordan Foote for the group’s bi-weekly card tournament in the players’ lounge.

The 19-year-old, Pick 37 in the 2014 AFL Draft, was just finishing off his lunch and was ready to make use of a poor hand when Swans coach John Longmire emerged from Match Committee and provided an ace.

“It came as a bit of a surprise because I actually wasn’t in the senior meeting that morning,” Rose said.

“I’ve had some meetings with Horse in the past couple of weeks, pumping me up in preparation for NEAFL games, and the fact I have been non-playing emergency in the seniors I knew I was close but not this close.”

Initially, the coaches tricked Rose into thinking his efforts during Thursday morning’s training session weren’t up to scratch.

But, especially assistant Stuart Dew, they couldn’t keep a straight face and the room burst into laughter leaving Rose stunned and nowhere to look.

“They cracked a joke and then revealed my name on the bench which is pretty exciting.”

Rose is set become the Swans’ fourth debutant of 2015 following Heeney, Dan Robinson and Toby Nankervis.

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The 185cm crafty forward possesses a strong overhead mark, a strong hunger to win the ball and “adds an element of excitement within the forward line” according to Longmire.

Rose was one of three changes to the side ahead of Saturday’s clash with GWS, joining Dean Towers and Zak Jones in replacing injured trio Luke Parker, Gary Rohan and Tom Mitchell.

Recruited from Sturt in the South Australia National Football League, Rose faces a nervous but exciting wait ahead of the showdown at Spotless Stadium.

“I’m absolutely rapt,” Rose added. “I’m keen to get out there and get my hands of the footy – who knows what will happen.”