Josh Kennedy and the rest of the Swans’ playing group are yearning for next weekend’s season opener against Essendon.

The extended pre-season, prolonged due to the Cricket World Cup, has heightened the anticipation for round one with Kennedy primed following a seamless campaign on the training track.

“It feels like the extra few weeks have made it a really long pre-season,” Kennedy said.

“The body has held up really well, I’ve done pretty much the whole pre-season and haven’t missed a beat.

“I’m certainly in that boat of ready to go and wanting the season to start.”

The midfielder, who played in all three NAB Challenge matches, saw a silver lining with the extended break giving teammates time to recover from niggling injuries including Kurt Tippett, Jarrad McVeigh and Ben McGlynn.

All have put a strong case forward for a round one berth.

The extended build up has also offered others, in particularly the Swans’ younger crop, ample time in front of the match committee and senior coach John Longmire “to push for spots”.

“The games have been good quality…against Fremantle and GWS we really lifted our intensity and that’s put us in good stead for round one,” Kennedy added.

“We’re pretty confident, but I think all teams are this time of year so we’re looking forward to seeing how we shape up.”

Only time will tell how the team structures up against the Bombers at ANZ Stadium on April 4.

If the Swans’ NAB Challenge clash against the Giants in Canberra was any inclination, Kennedy could be in line for some more minutes up forward which would excite the Swans’ faithful in 2015.

Kennedy showed his value by finding space inside forward 50, marking and kicking the Swans’ fifth goal of the opening term.

Could this be a throwback to Kennedy’s superb 2012 where the Bob Skilton Medallist, on top of racking up the fifth highest disposal tally, kicked more goals (29) than any elite midfielder in the competition?

“I’m not too sure,” Kennedy admitted.

“You’re always looking to improve your game in all areas but it’s up the coaching staff and what they want to see me doing.

“I’d certainly like to be spending a bit more time forward, that’d be nice.”