For senior coach Guy McKenna, today’s interstate clash against the Sydney Swans will be the ultimate test for his growing playing group.

With confidence building around the club after the team’s impressive 13-point victory over St. Kilda in their thrilling season opener, McKenna said the players we’re looking forward to seeing where their game-plan faired against the reigning AFL premiers.

“You want to measure yourself against the best and we have a great opportunity to do that on the back of last week’s victory.”

“A chance to play against the premiers – what better way to prove you can play consistent, hard football.”

After falling to the Swans by 36-points in the NAB Cup tournament, McKenna said his charges would need to ensure they did not allow the AFL heavyweights to gain early momentum in the opening term.

“This week for us is about concentration - if we bring effort, voice and contested footy, tackle hard and use the ball well, we’ll give ourselves every chance of winning,” said McKenna.

“For three quarters against St. Kilda we did that and we got a result, but I don’t think three quarters, as we found out in the pre-season, will be enough against Sydney.”

McKenna admits escaping the SCG with the four premiership points will be no easy task.   

“There not a team of champions - there a champion team,” said McKenna.

“Sydney will unfurl their flag and it’ll be the first time the play on the SCG, so I think their boys would be pretty excited about that,” McKenna said.

“If we can compete like we did last week than we give ourselves a real chance (to win)… it’s a great test for us and I reckon we’re ready for that test.”