New Sydney Swans favourite Malcolm Rosas Jnr says he feels lucky to be a role model Indigenous kids can look up to ahead of his first Marn Grook match on Friday night.

Rosas joined the Swans in last year's trade period, initially taking a back seat in the club's forward line behind blockbuster acquisition Charlie Curnow.

The 24-year-old has since played all but one of nine available games under Dean Cox in 2026, averaging more than a goal per outing.

His performances have included a result-shaping and career-high seven goal haul against Melbourne a fortnight ago, keeping Sydney perched on top of the ladder, while announcing himself to the competition as one of the recruiting moves of the year.

Adding a goal-sneak, big output-per-touch element to the Swans' line-up, Rosas insists he's just focused on playing his role for the ladder-leaders.

"We're just all trying to nail and play our role, so we win," Rosas told reporters, "I think that's the main focus".

"I think I just bring more speed in our forward line and now, more pressure, and other stuff comes from that."

A Northern Territory-raised talent, Rosas debuted young in NTFL senior footy before arriving at Gold Coast as a 2019 rookie draft pick, via the Suns Academy, NT Thunder and Darwin Buffaloes.

His time at the Suns offered opportunities to return home through their annual trips to the Top End, though Friday's match up with Collingwood will be his first in another regular spectacle of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The Swans' Mark Grook game dates back to 2002, three years before Essendon and Richmond instituted Dreamtime at the 'G, and five years before the AFL's First Indigenous Round.

Rosas said it was exciting to be a part of Sydney's First Nations-focused club events and visits during the week, which included giving back to the community, experiencing the history and culture of Redfern and iconic Indigenous past players returning to the club.

"I used to watch (Lewis) Jetta a lot when I was younger. (And) Adam Goodes," he said.

"There is a lot of history at this club, especially Indigenous players."

Rosas' mum also gave him a surprise at the club on Thursday.

They hadn't seen one another since his jumper presentation earlier in the year, Rosas said.

Another big inspiration for Rosas has been his grandmother, Eileen Cummings, a respected community leader in the NT, Stolen Generations survivior, activist, advocate and trailblazing educator.

"My grandmother's been a big part of my life," he said, "She's kind of been my hero growing up, and someone I can always talk to and be there for me."

"Even though I'm away from home a lot, she's always one call away or a message away.

"She has had a big impact on the Northern Territory...she's a good role model for a lot of young people."

Rosas is also the grandson of Hall of Fame and Indigenous Team of the Century member, the late Bill Demspey.

On his career, "she's just happy I'm out there and playing AFL," Rosas said.

Rosas said he feels lucky to be at Sydney, and as someone for young kids back at home to look towards.

"I've been back home a few times playing footy up there with the Suns. They do a good job going back to Darwin," Rosas said.

"There's a lot of heroes they look up to. I think I'm just lucky to be one of them, lucky to be here. I hope they can find a path they choose...that's the main message."

Rosas played four games in his debut year in 2021 before becoming a regular member of Gold Coasts line up in the following seasons.

He arrived at Sydney during the off season after 49 AFL games at the Suns, and has kicked 59 goals in 58 appearances across his AFL career.