SYDNEY Swans midfielder Kieren Jack says his team is prepared for a full-scale battle against Collingwood tomorrow night, and ANZ Stadium will be no place for the faint-hearted.
Collingwood might have won its past eight games against the Swans but Jack says the Magpies don't have any psychological hold over his side.
Instead, Jack pointed to a simple reason for the Swans' five-year drought against the Pies - Collingwood has simply been harder at the footy.
"At the end of the day, you've got to win the footy and you've got to put pressure on the opposition. We went over some stats over the past few years that we've played them and we haven't been able to do that," he said on Friday morning.
"Our tackle numbers have been really down and they've smashed us at contested footy. That's been a real focus this week.
"It’s going to be a battle, and I think anyone that doesn’t turn up for the battle should not turn up, because it’s going to be tough game and I hope we get lots of numbers there to cheer us on,'' Jack said.
If the message coming out of the Swans' this week is any indication, the Magpies are set for a torrid test at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Jack said the team's resolve to break its losing streak was fortified by the spirit of the club's younger players, many of whom are yet to taste victory against Collingwood.
"The boys have been saying we're sick of losing to Collingwood. We're sick of them coming up into our home ground and beating us so I think it's about time we got one back on them," he said.
"I think I've played them five times and lost every time. No player likes losing and especially when it's against the same team … it's a pretty degrading feeling. I want to smack them; I want to get a win on the board."
Having spent much of his career as a run-with player, the 22-year-old is accustomed to following Leon Davis around the park when the Swans tackle the Pies.
But Jack has taken on a more free-running role this season, averaging 18 touches and nearly a goal per game, and he is set to cause his own share of headaches for the Collingwood midfield.
"It hasn't been all-out tagging, which is what it has been in the past, and I've got a bit more licence to go and run and get the footy too," he said of his new-found freedom.
"I'm enjoying it and I think that part of the game suits me."
As well as the confidence to be gained from finally beating their long-time nemesis, Jack said a win on Saturday night was important to set up the team's second half of the season.
The Swans are yet to beat a team now in the top eight, with heavy losses to top-four contenders Geelong, Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs.
"They're a genuine top-four contender and if we want to play in finals and do well in finals, we're going to have to beat these teams," he said.
"It's our home ground, it's going to be built up like a finals game; hopefully we get a massive crowd out there too. We're all looking forward to it and hopefully we can perform well."