Most AFL fans would nominate Geelong and St Kilda as clear premiership favourites in 2009, with the Western Bulldogs the only other side worthy of mention entering the second half of the season.

Not so Collingwood president Eddie McGuire.

Speaking at a function prior to Saturday night's clash between Collingwood and Sydney at ANZ Stadium, McGuire said he believes his Magpies are well-placed for a genuine tilt at the 2009 flag.

The 'Pies were seventh on the ladder ahead of the match and $15 premiership outsiders with SportsTAB, alongside Hawthorn and Carlton and well behind Geelong ($1.95), St Kilda ($4) and the Bulldogs ($7.50).

But McGuire feels the flag is in Collingwood's sights this year.

"Clubs are at various stages in their premiership cycle and at the halfway mark of a year they make decisions about where they are that particular year," he said.

"North Melbourne have obviously decided 2009 is not their year to win a premiership, so too have the Richmond Football Club.

"At Collingwood we are very much in active service to win the premiership in 2009."

McGuire also gave an insight into why the 'Pies have had such a good record against the Swans in recent years.

Collingwood haven't lost to Sydney since 2005 and McGuire said his side always find a little extra against them.

"The Sydney Swans have been, ever since we've been coming to ANZ Stadium, the benchmark we've measured ourselves against," he said.

"In toughness, professionalism and the way they go about their business.

"(If we win we move to) 7-5 and then play Fremantle, Essendon and Hawthorn in the next three weeks which sets us up for a tilt at the top four and therefore a premiership.

"Or our season could be in ruin in the course of four matches, so it's big time."

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