They might have had the edge over North Melbourne during the past three seasons, but co-captain Jarrad McVeigh is adamant the Swans won't be taking their opponents lightly.
"We know what we are going to get with them. You are going to get a lot of hard footy and their good players are playing well," McVeigh said on Thursday.
The 26 year-old has played in each of Sydney's four wins against the Kangaroos in a streak that spans back to 2008.
But while his team may go in with a better record and perhaps a psychological edge due to recent history, McVeigh says its important to shut down North's key players from the outset.
"(Brent) Harvey and (Daniel Wells) and then (Aaron) Edwards up forward who's scoring a few goals as well. We've got to put a lot of work into those guys, and then a lot of their young guys are really hard and in-and-under so it's going to be a tough game."
McVeigh, a best and fairest winner in 2008 is sure to cop some attention from the opposition himself having averaged over 20 possessions a game, but it's debutant Lewis Johnston who will be the toast of Sydney on debut.
Drafted back in 2008, Johnston can play at both ends of the ground and booted three goals in the reserves last week following a switch to attack.
"He's been in really good form and deserves his chance," McVeigh said.
North Melbourne
Backs J.MacMillan 34 M.Firrito 11 S.Thompson 16
Half Backs D.Pratt 30 L.Delaney 45 B.Rawlings 3
Centreline D.Wells 8 L.Greenwood 24 S.McMahon 42
Half Forwards L.Thomas 12 A.Edwards 27 B.Harvey 29
Forwards L.Hansen 6 D.Petrie 20 J.Ziebell 7
Followers T.Goldstein 22 A.Swallow 9 L.Adams 13
Interchange L.Anthony 4 B.Cunnington 10 S.Atley 18 B.Speight 46
Emergencies C.Richardson 21 C.Garlett 32 C.Pedersen 39
In: L.Anthony , L.Greenwood
Out: C.Garlett (Omitted) , K.Harper (Rested)
Sydney
Backs N.Malceski 9 T.Richards 25 A.Johnson 34
Half Backs T.Kennelly 17 H.Grundy 39 L.Johnston 23
Centreline R.Shaw 2 Ju.Bolton 24 N.Smith 40
Half Forwards B.McGlynn 21 L.Roberts-Thomson 30 JP.Kennedy 12
Forwards J.McVeigh 3 A.Goodes 37 R.O'Keefe 5
Followers M.Seaby 1 C.Bird 14 D.Hannebery 4
Interchange Lew.Jetta 32 M.Mattner 29 L.Parker 26 SB.Reid 20
Emergencies A.Everitt 13 J.Moore 33 J.White 18
In: M.Seaby , L.Johnston
Out: A.Everitt (Omitted) , S.Mumford (Knee)
New: L.Johnston
McVeigh: Expect tough contest
Despite having the edge over the past three seasons, Swans' co-captain Jarrad McVeigh is adamant his side won't be taking the Kangaroos lightly.
