Underrated tagger Robert Copeland says Brisbane needs to focus on this weekend's match against Sydney rather than look into the future with a flurry of stars on the verge of returning.

The Lions are just a week away from almost being at full strength with stars Simon Black and Jamie Charman set to make timely returns from suspension against Hawthorn at the MCG.

But Brisbane first needs to overcome "bogey-team" the Swans at the Gabba on Saturday night before welcoming Black and Charman back to the fold.

"I suppose at the start of the year you want to win as many games as you can and if we then win the majority of games out of the 22 (rounds) we'll more than likely be in the top eight or the top four," Copeland said.

"So at the start of the year (wins) are handy, two out of three is better than one out of three."

Sydney possesses a remarkable record against the three-time premiers having won three of their previous six encounters between the teams.

The Swans' defensive flooding tactics have come under heavy criticism from former players in recent years but it seems to work against Brisbane.

The Lions, usually potent goalkickers, were restricted to just seven goals and 51 points against Sydney in the side's last meeting.

Copeland admitted that Brisbane had discussed the Swans' spoiling tactics but they were confident they could get the better of their opponents in the rivalry-round.

"We've been talking about how they play," Copeland said.

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