Swans co-captain Kieren Jack is expecting a fired up and match-ready Essendon for this weekend’s highly-anticipated season opener at ANZ Stadium.

Speaking to media today ahead of Saturday’s clash Jack wasn’t buying into whether Essendon’s off-field distractions and apparent lack of match practice would give the Swans an advantage.

The skipper, who labelled himself fully fit after an abdomen injury suffered just under a fortnight ago, said the Bombers’ off-field issues would all be forgotten come match day.

“Round one – it’s going to be on,” Jack said.

“It’s been a big build up, everyone’s itching to get out there so it will be business as usual.

“I’ve seen players have no pre-season games and no training, come in and play well. Certainly I’d like to play against some competition, that’s my personal view.

“They’ve had some scratch matches between themselves and it’s not like they’re coming back from injury so they’d be fit and ready to go.”

Jack reaffirmed coach John Longmire’s approach to the encounter, saying the sole focus was to prepare for a full-strength Essendon regardless of Tuesday’s verdict.

“I wasn’t concerned about it,” Jack said.

“All the talk through the club and the talk from John put us in the headspace where we were going to be ready no matter what.

“For us it was just about making sure we were prepared.”

Jack was alongside young Isaac Heeney at Thursday morning’s press conference to announce the 18-year-old’s debut against the Bombers.