IN HIS own words, Collingwood defender Harry O’Brien lives for the contest.

No matter the size of the opponent, or their reputation; the 21-year-old loves pitting his wits and body against the best in the business.

He emerged from ANZ Stadium with another scalp on Saturday night, keeping veteran Sydney Swans champion Michael O’Loughlin under wraps for more than three quarters in the Magpies’ 29-point win.

The Magpies – and O’Brien, who celebrated his 50th AFL game – were left to savour a hard-fought win.

“We knew it was going to be a really tough game with the way the Swans play, and also having beaten them on the last four occasions, we knew they were going to be out to really hunt us,” he said after the match.

“It was really pleasing to score the win and the way we were able to hang on was good.”

O’Brien paid tribute to the teamwork among the Collingwood defenders, who restricted the Swans to just two goals to three-quarter time, before the home side made a late charge in the final quarter.

While O’Loughlin broke free during the last term, he kicked just one goal from several chances, to O’Brien’s relief.

“He kicked a goal and missed a couple of opportunities, but you’ll take that. He’s always going to be a tough challenge. He’s a very smart player, an A-grade player,” he said.

“That last term, we were under siege and he ended up getting a few opportunities but he didn’t end up making the most of it.”

While some players suffer from nerves when they take on the game’s elite players, O’Brien relishes the prospect.

“I suppose from my first season in the AFL, Mick’s always had the faith in me to give me the big challenges and that’s what I play for as well. I just love the contest and I love playing on the bigger names.”