Retribution is in the minds of the Sydney Swans, with midfielder Craig Bird saying they've spoken about atoning for last year's grand final defeat and their shock loss to cross-town rivals Greater Western Sydney.
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But Bird predicted the Giants would be much tougher this season and could make their AFL finals debut on the back of a midfield bolstered by Ryan Griffen.
A near-full-strength Swans side landed in Canberra on Saturday, including gun forward Lance Franklin, for their final pre-season hitout against GWS at Manuka Oval on Sunday.
Bird said the Swans were treating it like a home-and-away game, as they look to atone for last year's grand final defeat.
He said they had also talked about their shock round one loss to the Giants last season.
"The boys are pretty hungry after last year, very disappointed after [the way we] finished last year," Bird said.
"It's burned our guts the whole off-season so we're pretty keen to make amends after last season and have another crack at winning a premiership.
"We'll be going as hard as we can and getting good form for round one.
"We've spoken a little bit about [last year's loss to the Giants] ... we've got to play well every week otherwise any team can beat you."
In the Giants' first three AFL seasons, the midfield has been an area where the Swans were able to dominate with their bigger bodies.
But the addition of former Western Bulldogs captain Griffen, along with the natural development of their youngsters, has helped change that.
Bird was expecting them to follow Gold Coast's 2014 climb up the ladder.
"They've got a good midfield now and have brought in blokes like Griffen ... they've got some talented guys in there," he said.
"I think that's one of the strongest parts of their team.
"I think they'll be pushing for finals this year, I think they'll have a pretty good year."
Bird said Franklin would be using Manuka to try to rekindle his form of 2014, where he finished second in the Brownlow Medal and won the Coleman.
"The big dog's here, he played some game time last week, but I think he'll pretty much play a full game this week," Bird said.
"(He's) just building his fitness for round one and hopefully he'll have a good hit out tomorrow and get some good form."
Meanwhile, a NEAFL-strength ACT representative side, led by Belconnen's James Bennett, will take on the Giants reserves at Ainslie Oval at 9.40am.
NAB CHALLENGE
Sunday: GWS Giants v Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval, 1.10pm. Tickets available at Ticketek.
ACT v GWS reserves at Ainslie Oval, 9.40am.
