Griffith will begin their finals campaign with a second semi-final showdown against Collingullie-Glenfield Park at Narrandera Sportsground on Saturday.

It has already been a special season for Griffith, going through the home and away season undefeated for the first time in the club’s history.

The task is now to turn special into spectacular by winning the club’s first premiership since 2003.

“There is an air of confidence at the club at the moment,” Northey said.

“The week off has freshened us up but we’re under no illusions as to how tough Collingullie will be. They have been a bit of a powerhouse for a while now and it’s always a tough challenge against them.

“We know it will be tough but there’s a real confidence among our group. We know if we can play the way we know we can play and bring that effort, then we can get the job done.”

Northey, whose home club is Wahgunyah, made his senior debut as a 17-year-old at Corowa-Rutherglen in the Ovens and Murray League.

He moved to Griffith for work at the start of last year and signed up with the Swans, despite a strong friendship with Narrandera coach Jarred Lane.

“I really like the competition actually, it’s a pretty free-flowing style of footy,” he said.

“I love it at Griffith. They have been really welcoming and that’s one of the reasons I couldn’t not play at the Swans. It felt like home straight away.”

The 27-year-old restricted himself to 10 games last season in a bid to get through the year.

Northey has taken his game to a new level this year, kicking 14 goals and being named in the Swans’ best on six occasions from 13 games.

“Although I’m only 27, I’ve got a pretty old body and I’ve always had issues with my hip,” he said.

“I only played 10 games last year and that was deliberate to get through a season of footy. After I got through those games and with the group we had this year, you could sense there was a real opportunity to achieve something so I spoke to Will (Griggs) and said that I want to play every game this year.”

Northey is confident the Swans can pick up in finals where they left the season.

“The key is bring that real intensity to the contest, like any final,” he said.

“If we can play that attacking, exciting brand of footy that scores, then get back and help in defence like we’ve been able to do most of the year, it will hold us in good stead.”

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