“Bring on Saturday.”

Star forward Lance Franklin wasn’t mixing his words when previewing this weekend’s highly anticipated blockbuster between Sydney and Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium.

Fresh from dismantling top of the table Fremantle in Launceston, Hawthorn will travel to Sydney in a rich vein of form and aiming for a sixth consecutive win.

The Swans meanwhile are aiming for a third-straight win and a second triumph over the reigning premier in 2015 after claiming the four points back in Round 8 at the MCG – the last time Hawthorn was defeated.

Franklin, who is two shy of his 700th career goal, said Saturday can’t come quickly enough.

“We’re expecting a thrilling game out at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night,” Franklin said. “I certainly can’t wait to get out there and I know the rest of the boys can’t wait to get out there.”

Franklin, who was kept goalless in the Round 8 win, believes a polished performance at both ends will be needed to counter the Hawks and consolidate a top three spot.

It was a strong defensive effort, mixed in with some inaccuracy, from the Swans which restricted the reigning premier to 69 points – the Hawks’ lowest total in 2015.

Up against a “quality outfit”, Franklin says the Swans will have to be on the mark both offensively and defensively to inflict Hawthorn’s fifth loss of the season.

“If we can nullify them defensively again we’ll be right in the game,” Franklin said. “But they’ve got so many superstars over the ground that they’ll be hard to shut down so we’ve got to be at our best.”