So disastrous was Sydney's last AFL match against Melbourne that the Swans made a pact to never let such a hiding happen again.

In round 17 of 2010, the Demons crushed a strangely distant Sydney line-up by 73 points, leading by as much as 91 before the Swans flattered themselves with the last three goals.

The heaviest loss experienced by Sydney under outgoing coach Paul Roos has the Swans spoiling for a fight in their round one rematch with Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.

Midfielder and AFL rising star winner Dan Hannebery remembers the match, and the pact, with painful clarity.

"The players, after the game, were just shocked and shattered and we spoke about it for a few days after," he told AAP ahead of the first premiership match for new Sydney coach John Longmire.

"We made a pact that we'd never let that happen ever again.

"I think it's mainly that effort factor and just knowing within each other that no-one's ever going to put on a Swans guernsey and run out and put in an effort like that.

"This week is a really good opportunity to redeem ourselves for that performance and what better time to do that than the first game of the season."

At the time the Swans were battling to maintain their tenuous hold on a spot in the top eight, something they subsequently did with a strong finish.

Hannebery's immaculate start as an AFL player in 2010 reflected great credit on the Sydney system and he pointed to new co-captain Jarrad McVeigh as a significant part of that.

"He's been really good for me as someone I can look up to as an elite midfielder now and obviously our captain as well," Hannebery said.

"He's someone who demands a lot of respect and the way he goes about his training and the way he plays really typifies why he's captain of our club.

"His words at the guernsey presentation the other night really made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I know a lot of the other guys were about to pull the boots on and go out to play.

"I think we're ready for a good year, we've had a bit of a change-up, everybody's fresh and we're ready to get into this game and get the season rolling."

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