Speaking ahead of Sunday’s opening game against Melbourne, Jarrad McVeigh has again emphasised the privilege of leading the Swans on to the MCG for the first time as co-captain.

“It will be a huge honour,” McVeigh said.

“From watching this Club as a young boy … even to just run out for this team is a great honour, but to lead the boys out along with Goodesy is going to be a special day.”

McVeigh said the playing group was looking to improve on last year’s fifth place finish by utilising a game plan that has been effective in the past, but one that can also adapt to new trends in the competition.

“We’ll just be going out there to be a hard Swans team, which we want to be and what we’ve been known as,” he said.

“I think we’ve evolved every year with our game plan, the competition’s getting better and we have to get better as well.”

Reflecting on last year’s 73-point loss to Melbourne in round 17, McVeigh said that game was an aberration that the team has since moved on from, and the MCG didn’t hold any fears for the Swans despite not leaving with a victory in the last five attempts.

“I just don’t think we turned up to play,” McVeigh said about the last encounter against Melbourne.

“It was a very disappointing game for the group, but in saying that, it’s a new season now, there are new players playing here, and different circumstances.

“We love playing at the MCG - it’s were the finals, and the grand finals are played so that’s a ground that we want to play at.”

Coach John Longmire dismissed the same notion when he was asked about any ill effects stemming from the 2010 game against Melbourne.

“It’s a new season, things have changed quite dramatically since then for both teams,” Longmire said.

After a long pre-season and big build-up to round one, Longmire expects both teams to come out hard and try to get their campaign off to a winning start.

“What you always know is that round one is always hot, in regards to pressure and running, and that hasn’t changed and it won’t change,” he said.

“I expect a hot, running game, there will be enormous pressure. Everyone’s been building up over the pre-season, and while you’ve still got the same amount of points as in round two, there hasn’t been that big amount of build-up.”

Ahead of his debut as Sydney Swans senior coach, Longmire said that he was looking forward to the challenge and the extra responsibility that the role entails.

“I’m ok at the moment, there’s no doubt as tomorrow gets on - I’m not sure whether it’s excitement or nerves - but I’m looking forward to it,” Longmire said.

“In the past we always used to just chuck up ideas and let Roosy run with it. Well, now I’ve actually got some responsibility for that, so it’s a little bit different, but to be expected.

“So far I’ve enjoyed it, and hopefully I’ll still be enjoying it come 5.30 on Sunday.”