Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has warned his team to make sure they turn up at their best against Hawthorn on Saturday night.

The Swans coach has labelled his opponent this weekend a powerhouse of the competition comparing them to the Brisbane side of the early 2000’s.

The usually reserved Longmire was in a relaxed mood ahead of arguably his side's biggest test of the season against the in-form Hawks.

"I've noticed that 'Buddy' (Lance Franklin) has been speaking to 'Roughy' (Jarryd Roughead) a bit this week, so hopefully Roughy lets him know if he's playing or not," Longmire laughed.

The 2012 premiership coach even gave his old club a plug when asked the credentials of this current day Hawthorn outfit.

"This is a team that's comparable to Brisbane of the early 2000's, maybe even North Melbourne of the 90's," Longmire said with a smirk.

"This is a powerhouse team, and what they did last week showed what they're capable of doing.

"When we've beaten them we've had to be at our very best and that's our challenge again this week, because going OK against this lot doesn't cut it."

Longmire said it was important his side did not take the task at hand lightly when they come up against the in form Hawthorn side.

“I think it is a matter of matching Hawthorn in all areas, Alistair has been on the record as saying they like to push things close to the edge,” he said.

“If you are not prepared to match them in all areas you tend to fall short.

“That is the challenge for any team that plays them – to get in the mental state and physical state to match them.”