Sydney will meet Richmond in a top-of-the-table blockbuster at Etihad Stadium on Thursday night, but Swans defender Zak Jones has this week already gotten a glimpse of a fierce Tigers roar.

The 23-year-old paid a visit to Taronga Zoo on Monday thanks to QBE’s free-flight bird show.

The young backman was rapt to be able to feed a wide variety of birds and hold them in his hand, before moving on to a close-up view of Sumatran tigers.

Jones said animals had always given him a big thrill.

“I think just as a young kid I always wanted to play with animals,” Jones said.

“Unfortunately I can’t play with the tigers. It would have been good fun but I’ve always just loved animals since I was a young kid.”

As the ferocity in the eyes of the tigers was laid bare as the cats roamed throughout their cage, Jones said he expected the Richmond Tigers to pose a huge threat of their own.

“They’re a good side and they’re the reigning premiers,” Jones said.

“You can’t take anyone lightly and it should be an interesting game. I’m really excited for it.”