Swans midfielder Dan Hannebery says taking Collingwood lightly will be doing so at peril in the wake of the Magpies’ first win in nearly two months.
The Magpies dropped six consecutive matches to slide eight spots down the ladder – 4th to 11th – before outlasting Carlton at the MCG on Saturday.
The defeats have made the equation very difficult for the Magpies with only four rounds of the home and season remaining.
Nathan Buckley’s men need to win every game or face the prospect of missing finals for a second season in a row.
Hannebery, speaking to media on Wednesday, believed the Pies’ record to date is not a true reflection of the standard of football produced and concede Friday night’s expected sell-out is a crunch game for both clubs.
“Certainly, they’ve had an impressive year,” Hannebery said.
“Their win-loss record probably doesn’t reflect the footy they’ve played given they only just came up short against Fremantle and Hawthorn and played some really good footy throughout the year.
“So we know what we’re up against.”
Directly, Hannebery and his fellow midfielders will be up against the likes of Dane Swans and skipper Scott Pendlebury who - 41 and 37 disposals respectively – led the charge against the Blues.
Indirectly, Hannebery and the rest of the playing group is up against a Collingwood side who hold an impressive record in Sydney having won 13 of the last 15 encounters.
But it will be the first time in 15 years since the Magpies have played at the SCG.
“We know what we’re up against,” Hannebery added.
“Obviously they’ve got a superstar midfield so it’s going to an extremely hard test but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Collingwood is expected to welcome back full-forward Travis Cloke while the Swans are remaining hopeful Lance Franklin has recovered from a back injury to bolster the opposite end.
