For 23 years, brothers Rhyce and Heath Shaw lived together and trained together before following in their father and uncle's footsteps and playing for Collingwood together.

So both can be forgiven for expecting some foreign feelings on Saturday night when Rhyce's new team Sydney take on the `Pies in their AFL clash at ANZ Stadium.

It will be the first time the brothers have ever been on opposing sides.

"It was pretty much a dream of ours to play together," Rhyce said at a joint press conference with his brother on Thursday.

"I do miss it. It was a good experience. But I'm looking forward to going up against him.

"It's a bit weird, I've never played against him in anything really.

"It'll be weird going up against him and all my old mates at Collingwood, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."

The seventh-placed Magpies (6-5 record) are eyeing off the top four and a fourth straight win, while the inconsistent Swans (10th, 5-6) need a victory to stay in touch with the top eight.

Rhyce readily admits he often didn't cope well being part of the famous Shaw dynasty at Collingwood, where he played 94 games after being drafted by the father-son rule back in 1999.

Both father Ray and uncle Tony are former Collingwood captains and best and fairest winners, with Tony leading the Magpies to their drought-breaking 1990 premiership.

But Rhyce Shaw's career has been rejuvenated in Sydney, playing every game this season and averaging over 23 disposals per outing, second only to Jude Bolton.

He says missing his family has been the hardest part of the move to the harbour city, but Heath has no doubt it was the right decision for his older brother's career.

"Rhyce had his best year last year I think and he thought it was the best thing for his career to move," Heath said.

"Sydney gave him that opportunity and this year he's followed up last year's form and playing really good football and there's no doubt it was the right move for him.

"I'm sure we'll be doing all we can to make sure he doesn't have a good game against us."

Heath reckons Rhyce has the early lead in terms of family support after his older brother secured tickets for their parents to the game.

They will be part of "40 or 50" family and friends heading to Sydney for the match.

"It's going to be interesting Dad watching both of us, I don't know who he's going to barrack for," Heath said.

"I think Rhyce got Mum and Dad tickets, so I think he's got the edge on me there."

And neither brother plans to take a backward step if they find themselves near each other during the game.

"He definitely won't and I definitely won't as well," Rhyce said.

"He's just another player out there.

"Before the game he's my brother, after the game he's my brother, but during it he's just another player."

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