There's a couple things Adam Cruickshank wouldn't have predicted to happen when he first joined the Tamworth Swans.
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Being given the captaincy in just his third year playing the game was one of them and having the chance to take the Swans to a second successive grand final is another.
But, on Saturday, Cruickshank will captain his side in the AFL North West major semi-final against the Tamworth Kangaroos for a spot in the men's grand final while also celebrating an individual milestone.
He will bring up his 50th game for the Tamworth Swans.
The personal achievement isn't what is at the front of his mind, though. It's claiming another victory and the rewards that go with it.
"I'm confident in the team and excited. It's a big game. A major semi-final," Cruickshank said.
"It's the derby again - for the fourth time this year. It's always a strong game.
"I'm looking forward to the physicality of it. The finals are always a bit different.
Despite not expecting the captaincy, Cruickshank has fully embraced the role he took on at the start of the 2020 season - just two years after joining the Swans.
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He loves leading the team out and then playing for his mates on the field.
The mateship within the club is one of the things Cruickshank said he loves about the Swans.
And on the field, Cruickshank has always gone head first into everything while playing for the Swans.
That hasn't changed since becoming captain but one aspect of his game has had to evolve.
"I think it [his game] has had to mould in to a bit to more of a vocal role," he said.
"I'd say that's been the biggest thing. Just giving a bit of direction within the team and setting up certain tactics within the club."
The Swans and Kangaroos face off in Gunnedah in the major semi-final on Saturday.
Cruickshank's team moved into the top two after winning their final round clash against the Kangaroos last weekend.
The winner this Saturday will progress through to the grand final. If the Swans were to do so, Cruickshank said it would be "an honour for the club".
"Back-to-back grand finals would be something we wouldn't have thought about four years ago when we turned up," Cruickshank said.
"Getting back to that spot is where we need to be and where I think we should be and we have a chance to do that this weekend."
The Tamworth teams hit the paddock at 12.50pm.