Parker's last-quarter GF debut

IF YOU think you were nervous in the stands or watching from home yesterday, then spare a thought for Sydney youngster Luke Parker.

Luke Parker, Sam Mitchell

IF YOU think you were nervous in the stands or watching from home yesterday, then spare a thought for Sydney youngster Luke Parker.

As the Swans sub Parker had to wait until midway through the last quarter to get his first taste of action in the thrilling Grand Final win over Hawthorn.

That came when ruckman Shane Mumford's valiant effort to push through a hamstring concern came to an end.

"You're always nervy waiting to get on, but this was probably something else,'' Parker said.

"It was probably only 10-15 minutes in to the last quarter when I got on so I didn't get too much time.

"When I got on I just wanted to make the most of my opportunity and have an influence on the game.''

It wasn't about the possessions - although he did have two handballs and a kick - but more about his tackling and pressure he could exert as the game reached a thrilling conclusion.

"Really it was just about laying a couple of tackles (he lay two) and slowing the game down,'' he said.

"That was all we were trying to do and pick our pressure back up considering the time of the game and how close it was.''

Parker said the feeling when the siren went was amazing.

"I was just finding the nearest bloke to hug,'' he said.

 "That's the best feeling I've ever had.

"For a 19-year-old to have this around his neck, it's a privilege mate.''