Swans veteran Jude Bolton believes stringently following the old adage of training the way you play is crucial in making sure the Swans bring the required intensity from the outset against Melbourne at the SCG on Saturday evening.

The Swans were slow out of the stalls against Richmond last weekend and could never reel in the initial advantage the Tigers built in the opening quarter.

Speaking ahead of yesterday’s first training session of the week, Bolton said the team would be focusing on their team pressure and work rate in both sessions and going all out to make sure they’re ready to attack the Demons’ clash.

“The main thing (last Saturday) was we lacked intensity and weren’t working with each other well enough,” Bolton told sydneyswans.com.au.

“The two sessions that we complete together (this week) have to be at high intensity, with a lot of buzz.

“We’ll certainly be driving that as leaders, and making sure that everyone is out there really pushing to get that next win.

“We don’t want to get into a real slump or anything like that. The five wins are long gone now.”

The Swans have played 30 games since they drew with Melbourne at the MCG in round one last year. To bridge the unfamiliarity on the field, Bolton’s been preparing thoroughly and expecting the Demons’ best in Saturday’s twilight slot.

“The games I’ve seen them play, they’ve dominated quarters at times and just fallen away a little bit,” he said.

“Mark Neeld’s definitely got a way that he wants them to play, which is obviously that hard, contested footy, and that’s what we’ll be looking to play as well.

“(Mark) Jamar’s a quality ruckman and they’ve got some really strong midfielders, in (Jack) Trengove and (Nathan) Jones and those sort of guys, who are really strong over the footy.

“So we really need to be watching them and, especially at the SCG, you really need to get control of the midfield.”

Now in his 14th season at the Swans, Bolton said he and his team mates are looking forward to taking part in the 30 year celebration match on Saturday, and doing everything in their power to make sure the occasion is marked on the right note.

“I’ve seen the Heritage jumper, and it’ll be really exciting to wear that this weekend,” Bolton said.

“It’s a massive thing for the club to be celebrating 30 years in Sydney, and I’m pretty proud that I’ve spent almost half that time playing for the club as well.

“It’s been a huge part of my life, and we’ll certainly be doing everything we can to get the result we want on the day.”