Sydney at ANZ Stadium is a difficult enough assignment without them having their backs to the wall.

After being stunned by Melbourne on Sunday, the Swans are sure to put up one hell of a fight as they keep their grip on a top-eight spot.

Geelong fullback Tom Lonergan says the club’s respect for Sydney and the Bloods culture meant they’ll be in for one tough match on Saturday night.

“Roosy is a great coach and they are a proud club,” Lonergan said.

“Sydney coming off the back of a loss will be particularly hard. Roosy will have them fired up to come back hard. It will definitely be a hard task.”

Lonergan said he found the ground hard in previous years but was confident that, with the amount of rugby played there this year, ANZ Stadium would be cherry ripe for this weekend’s clash.

Geelong has enjoyed three clashes with Sydney at the stadium that hosted the 2000 Olympics.

Last season the Cats got up in round 20 in a thriller by five points, they also won by 39 points in 2008 but lost in 2006 by 22 points.

Entering round 18, the Swans are holding eighth spot by one game from North Melbourne with Adelaide a further game back.

Overall, Lonergan said the competition had a number of outstanding premiership contenders in 2010 and predicted a red-hot finals series.

“Collingwood look like a real premiership threat, St Kilda - great side, the Bulldogs are really hitting their straps and Hawthorn are coming too,” he said.

“The other contenders are strong as well so I reckon it is going to be a great September, a great finals series.”