Luke Parker insists there's no mental scarring affecting his Sydney side as they travel to face Geelong for the first time since their AFL grand final massacre.
The Swans skipper, who was in the lineup for that 81-point thrashing by the Cats last September, declared they were keen to get Saturday's contest out of the way and put talk of the decider behind them as they build a case for a shot at redemption.
"Going down to Geelong is a tough match in itself ... the history of what happened last year, I'm sure it might spur the boys on a bit," Parker said.
"But for us, it's about continuing to perform to the ability we can and trying to get those runs on the board early in the season.
"It was always going to come up at some stage ... we're just excited to head down there and play against the best team in the competition.
"They had a slow start, but just their experience in general, the quality football we know they can play, that's what we're preparing for."
Parker said the Swans felt no extra pressure to put in a strong performance this weekend and exorcise any demons, looking to continue an above-average 3-2 start to the new campaign.
"You have to put in a strong performance every week ... what's happening with the competition, if you're off that one per cent, anyone can beat anyone," he said.
"It's a big challenge, no doubt we've still got some players out and some young boys who probably it might be their first time down at the Cattery. ... it's always a challenge down there.
"The way the boys are playing shows we're playing in the moment and we're ready to have another crack."
The big task facing the Swans is finding the right matchups for the in-form Geelong power forward duo of Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins, the former particularly lighting up the competition with 22 goals in five games this year.
Sydney won't have either Paddy or Tom McCartin (both concussion), while Dane Rampe will train on Thursday and attempt to prove his fitness after a neck issue.
Nick Blakey would likely take one job while Parker suggested Robbie Fox was another who might be called upon, although winning the midfield battle would be crucial to cutting off the duo's supply of possession.
"Jezza (Cameron) is on fire at the moment, kicking bags of goals every week," he said.
"We've got a system in place we really trust and no matter who comes into the team, we think that stands up.
"I'm not sure who gets that role .... no doubt we'll put some time into him and those boys will be relishing the challenge.
"If the ball is coming in too easily, it's giving them plenty of opportunity ... if they get the ball inside 50 and it's coming in scrappy, it gives them a chance."
