COLLINGWOOD’S Jarryd Blair began the season on his club’s rookie list so the prospect of playing senior football, let alone in an AFL premiership, was beyond his wildest dreams.

That is why he’s determined to keep making every post a winner as he continues his remarkable journey in 2010 and nears what would be a dramatic rise from rookie elevation to Collingwood premiership player.

On Saturday night, against the Western Bulldogs, Blair played just his ninth match of senior football but played a big role in helping the Pies storm to a 62-point win.

“I suppose I was a little bit nervous,” the pint-sized midfielder said after the game.

“You know I’d never played in a final before but all the nerves sort of go out the window after that first five minutes and it’s just another game of footy.”

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The 20-year-old is just enjoying the ride for now, and doesn’t look like a man who’s hanging onto his spot in the team for grim life - rather one who’s relishing his chance to shine.

Against the Dogs he had 18 possessions, six inside 50s, a staggering six score assists and four clearances to show coach Mick Malthouse he can more than cut it in the intense pressure cooker that is finals football.

Now a preliminary final beckons.

“I can’t say I thought that at the start of the year, but I’ve enjoyed being a part of it,” Blair said.

“I sort of wasn’t sure whether I’d play seniors this year, so to come in and stay in the side, it’s been good.”

The 20-year-old only came into the Pies’ senior line-up in round 14, but since then has missed just one match.

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Being one of the last cabs off the rank, he knows there is perhaps more scrutiny on his performances than others - especially with names like Medhurst, Lockyer and O’Bree waiting in the wings for their opportunity.

 “There’s blokes pushing to break into the side every week ... you obviously feel the pressure and you’ve got to perform each week otherwise you don’t know whether your spot’s going to be there,” he said.

“It’s good to get your hands on the ball a couple of times and the boys played pretty good footy [tonight]. It was just good to be a part of it.”

As for his side, he says he hasn’t noticed any distinct difference in the belief levels at Collingwood in recent weeks, more a gradual build since he first arrived in the 2009 Rookie Draft.

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“I think the belief’s always been there,” he said.

“I think Maxy (captain Nick Maxwell) said at the start of last year they wanted a premiership.

“The confidence has slowly been building more and more. Geelong, St Kilda and Fremantle are all good footy sides so you’ve got to take it one week at a time, so you can’t look too far ahead.”