The Sydney Swans speedster has been overwhelmed with the backing from his home town of Cobden — not just before today’s grand final against Hawthorn but throughout his injury-ravaged career.

“I’ve had a lot of support from the Cobden football club and friends and family, which is really good,” Rohan said this week.

He had it last week too, when he and great mate Ben Cunnington, of North Melbourne, squared off in the preliminary final for a shot at today’s premiership. Cunnington is another Cobden graduate who started his playing career at Timboon Demons.

“It was exciting me or Ben was going to play in the grand final,” Rohan said.

“It’s great for the town and the Cobden footy club.”

Rohan knows Cobden will be cheering for him today. His family and a couple of close mates will be in the stands at the MCG.

He took part in yesterday’s grand final parade through the streets of Melbourne’s central business district.

“I’m just soaking in everything that is happening,” Rohan said.

“I can’t wait.”

The 23-year-old enters today grand final in career-best form. He intends subscribing to the “if it ain’t broke, it doesn’t need fixing” approach.

Rohan was impressive off half-back in the Swans’ preliminary final victory last week, a fortnight after he made some critical mistakes in the qualifying final.

“I went in with a simple mindset, team first and help the team attack,” Rohan said of his performance.

It worked. He had a career-high 23 possessions but his dash and carry meant his contribution was far bigger than the number suggested.

Coach John Longmire agreed.

“He played a terrific offensive, defensive game,” Longmire said of Rohan.

“I thought he was really clean below his knees. His ability to take off at pace from our defensive 50m gave us some real bite.”

Rohan, who has played the majority of his 42 games in the midfield or across half-forward, has been a revelation since moving into defence.

“Gaz played really well …just his breaking the lines,” teammate Nick Malceski said after the preliminary final.

“No one can tackle him; he’s lightning quick.

“I guess he had a few blunders against Fremantle, but he really cleaned it up this week and he’s going to be a danger …”

Together with new All-Australian representative Malceski and another veteran, Rhyce Shaw, Rohan gives Sydney arguably more run and carry out of the back line than any other AFL team.

Malceski believed having three players of that ilk was an advantage for Sydney and had passed on some advice about the role.

“I’ve given him a few tips … me and Shawy have been talking to him a little bit,” Malceski said.

“But he’s been grabbing it with both hands and he’s flexible as well. He can go forward and put on a bit of pressure, which is good.”

n The Cobden and district community is encouraged to watch the AFL grand final telecast at Cobden Recreation Reserve social rooms from noon today.