Click here to watch Tarkyn Lockyer's Friday press conference - on CTV
Collingwood midfielder Tarkyn Lockyer believes the Magpies’ recent good form against the Swans gives the players a good idea of what is required to triumph on Saturday night.
Speaking at the MCG after the team’s final training session for the week on Friday, Lockyer emphasised there will are no secrets about what Sydney will offer.
The 27-year-old, who has been in career-best form throughout 2007, also knows his side will be confident after victories over the 2005 premiers in rounds 12 and 21 this year.
“We need 22 contributors to play their part, and if we hold up our end of the bargain then we might be lucky enough to come away with a victory.
“They’re a very good side, they’ve proved that over the last couple of years, so we know we’ve got an enormous challenge in front of us.
“The mindset is that if we play the type of footy that we’ve played twice previously against Sydney, we’ll give ourselves every opportunity.
“We know what we expect form Sydney, we know the way we play. They love their stoppages, they love to play one-on-one and hard ball, so we know tomorrow night the pressure’s going to be on.”
While the Magpies have enjoyed victories by 19 and 25 points over the Swans this year, the contests have certainly been close and hard-fought.
“I think both sides match up well. You couldn’t say it’s a dominance, the games have been quite close.
“Luckily enough for us we’ve been able to come up with the four points the last few times, so we know that the games going to be on. They’re a very even side across the board, there’s no weak links.
With a young side coming up against a group of such seasoned finals competitors, it will be important for Collingwood to stick to what took them to sixth position on the ladder at the end of the home-and-away season.
“I think we play very much like Sydney. We’re a good, honest bunch, everyone playing their part.
“I think we’re a very even team across the board. Love to play one-on-one footy, and nice and hard in close, that’s what we’ve come to expect and that’s what we hope to see.”
