Swans defender Heath Grundy says this Saturday’s clash with the Gold Coast Suns will be an important last chance hit out before the team’s round one clash with cross-town rivals GWS the following week.

Grundy, who stands as an important pillar in the Swans backline, said the match against the Suns will allow players to clock up more vital match time ahead of the season proper.

“I think it will be really important to get a few more minutes into a few guys, and for guys who have played halves to play that full game before we get into round one,” Grundy told SwansTV.

“It would be nice to play some good footy this week and take it into next week.”

Grundy feels he has had the perfect amount of preparation to be at his best for the season opener, including a well-deserved rest in Friday night’s two-point loss to the Bombers.

“Everyone is a little bit different, but four (games) is right for me,” he said.

“I played a half last week, which was nice to be able to rest up a bit because I play long minutes during the season.

“It’s been good to be able to play three (matches) and then taper off a little bit, and then have a full game ahead of round one.”

With the substitute rule in place for its second season, Grundy said pre-season matches were an opportunity for the team’s defenders to become accustomed to the workload are likely to expect once the season gets underway.

“With the sub rule, the defenders don’t really get to rotate too much off, it’s more the midfield that gets the rest,” he said.

“We’re pretty settled down there (in the backline) and the guys are pretty well up and going and are fit enough to be able to handle full games.”