'Bogey' Pies not our focus: Buchanan
Amon Buchanan believes the Swans need to concentrate on their own game in an effort to overcome Collingwood
The Magpies have come out on top in their past five encounters against the Swans, but Buchanan believes the team should not be dwelling on that record which includes last season's elimination final.
"They've won five now so we've struggled a bit with them so it makes it a big challenge this week", Buchanan said on Tuesday.
"I think we've maybe not got to think of them so much this week -- do our homework on them -- but think about us. And to score 15 goals against Geelong last week was a positive."
The Swans have slipped to sixth on the back of some poor recent form, making the match against the seventh-placed Magpies even more vital.
"We've definitely dropped off over, not only the last month, but the past couple of months. We're a good team when everyone's contributing evenly," said Buchanan.
"I think we need more contributions from more players, that's what makes us a good team."
In a boost, it's likely the Swans will have key defender Leo Barry back for the match after overcoming a hamstring complaint that has kept him out of action for the last month.
Barry ran strongly at the Swans' Tuesday training session and will resume for the first time since the round 16 win over Carlton if he comes through the week unscathed.
The hero of the 2005 grand final will be a welcome addition, particularly as the Swans have conceded more than 100 points in each of the last three matches.
"He's our general down back ... It's been one of our problems lately that we've been scored on heavily.
"Leo's a great defender. He always does a good job on a forward and gives us attack and drive off the backline."
Buchanan is also backing Paul Roos' plan to blood some younger players in the final two games of the season.
"It's not like these kids just come off the streets. They've been training here for ages and we all know them well and we train with them every day."
After missing out last week, youngsters Patrick Veszpremi who debuted in round 18 - and Kieren Jack, a NAB Rising Star nominee earlier in the season - are likely to be included for the remainder of the season.
"We've got a lot to play for now. We need to go down there to have a good win. We don't want to lose and as a result have that added pressure next week."
If the Swans do lose, their finals hopes could be hanging by a thread, depending on other results. It will mean a must-win at the SCG against the Lions, a side in ninth, just one and a half games shy of the Swans on the ladder.
Buchanan added: "We'll be going to Melbourne will all guns blazing."