The 198cm former Cat has been named in the side to play the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, and coach Paul Roos hopes his "presence" will add something extra to the Swans' forward structure.
Playfair said he was relieved to finally make his Swans debut. “I'm excited and honoured to be playing for the club. It's been difficult to get to know the blokes when you train by yourself so I'm just glad to be playing."
Playfair has family in Wagga and played Australian football at Shore Grammar with current Swan Lewis Roberts-Thomson, something that has made settling in at the club easier.
Paul Roos admits Playfair's preparation has been limited but is happy with his progress.
“He's done a lot of running and played 70 minutes in the reserves last week. He's big, strong and will probably play a little closer to goal on the weekend,” said Roos.
“We certainly need a presence up there and he gives us that, but we're not expecting miracles from him.
“We just want him to be competitive, to mark, bring the ball to ground, chase and tackle and if he does that, and he doesn't kick a goal then he's still fulfilled my requirements.
"I'd expect him to play around 75 minutes or so.”
Playfair only appeared once for the Cats last season to take the 25-year-old's tally to 52 matches for premiers. However, his time at Sydney has been blighted by a hamstring injury.
“He's coming in a bit short [of match practise], but he's good fella, pretty laidback and has fitted in well, although it is difficult when you're injured for so long. He's got a great personality and happy back playing footy,” said Roos.
Roos predicted that Playfair and Barry Hall will be a potent combination in the Swans forward structure later in the season.
“Hopefully when Hally comes back Henry's in form and we can play the two together,” Roos said today.
In team news, Spida Everitt and Ben Matthews are in, while Luke Ablett is out with a calf injury.
Last week's debutant Jesse White will play in the reserves along with the omitted Nick Davis.
