Zac Langdon is feeling more and more confident on the big stage as he embarks on his first finals campaign.

The 22-year-old, who was picked up as a mature-age recruit in 2017, has impressed in his first season at the club, playing 19 games, kicking 20 goals and bringing plenty of pressure to every game, with an elite average of 4.2 tackles per game.

What’s more, he has stood up when it counted in big games for the GIANTS.

In the GIANTS’ round 11 win over the Crows – the victory that kick-started the team’s mid-season resurgence – Langdon put on the jets to burn off opponents and kick a goal to give the GIANTS a winning advantage in the final term.

Again, in front of a hostile Adelaide Oval crowd in round 18, he collected a tap from Tim Taranto and wheeled around for another memorable goal.

But his performance against reigning premier Richmond in round 17 left no doubt as to how well-suited Langdon was for the big clashes.

He kicked three goals and laid a crunching tackle on star Richmond defender – and Virgin Australia All Australian full back – Alex Rance.

“I think playing a bit better in the larger games has given me more confidence that I can match it with the bigger teams and play well in those games,” Langdon said.

“I think it gives (coach) Leon (Cameron) a bit more faith as well that I’ll be able to stand up and play my role.

“Earlier in the season, I probably wasn’t ready for the big games, but over the course of the season I think I’ve matured a lot in myself and my playing ability. I think once next week comes, I’ll be ready to go.”

The former Western Australian said playing 19 games in his debut season had far exceeded his humble expectations when he joined the club.

Recruited from WAFL club Claremont, Langdon was quick to impress during the pre-season, and by round one of the 2018 season he had done enough to earn his debut.

“I didn’t have a whole lot of expectations, to be honest,” Langdon said.

“I just wanted to come into pre-season and really put my foot down and see where it took me.

“If I said to you at the start of the year I would’ve played 19 games, I would’ve been over the moon.

“And sitting here potentially about to play in my first final, I can’t wait.”

Heading into next Saturday’s elimination final clash with cross-town rivals the Swans, Langdon said the belief among the GIANTS players was strong after salvaging their season to book a spot in the 2018 Toyota AFL Finals series.

“About 10 weeks ago, we were in a bit of a tricky situation and staring down the barrel of it and had to win probably eight more games to make finals,” he said.

“It’s been a bit up and down, but the boys rallied together, and the belief is huge at the moment.”