Pre-season is heating up and we’re not talking about the weather.

The bulk of the conditioning has been ticked off, making way for more ball work and match simulations in readiness for next month’s practice matches.

For the Sydney Swans, it all begins on February 10 when players take on one another in the annual Intraclub Practice Match at Marrickville’s Henson Park.

The friendly provides an ideal tune-up for when the Swans do battle with North Melbourne in their community series opener in Coffs Harbour on February 19.

Assistant coach Stuart Dew, who has overseen the entire pre-season campaign, declared that most of the playing group is fit and ready in anticipation for their first four-quarter competitive hitout of the season.

“They’re ready to go in that sense,” Dew said.

“We’re trying to pull them back a bit because it’s a long season obviously, and we don’t want them to peak too early.

“At the moment, we’re borderline playing mini intraclubs in readiness for the main one.

“It’s an interesting part of their preparation as they’re keen for some physical contact. We’re jumpy at times as we’re cautious of getting injuries at this time of the year.”

Dew has been pleased with the progress and condition of the playing group, especially the first-year draftees who have been eased into the summer as they “build their physical resilience” to the demands of AFL football.

It is the first years who Dew is most looking forward to watching in next month’s intraclub.

“I think we’re in pretty good shape,” he added.

“There are a number of guys who have had operations and have been a little bit slower to come on. But generally, the guys who have played a lot of senior footy don’t need much training. It’s all about maintenance.

“We’re certainly keen to see how the young guys go, the new recruits, to see them in that sort of environment.

“Everyone differs in their preparation. The older guys want to get through and get to the season while the younger guys are wanting to impress.”