Sydney midfielder Josh Kennedy believes the Swans' return to the tight confines of the SCG can pose problems for Geelong in Saturday night's AFL clash.

The Swans have not beaten the Cats in eight meetings and were hammered by 67 and 53 points in the sides' two clashes last year.

However, the old foes have not met at the SCG since the epic 2005 semi-final clash, where Sydney prevailed by three points on their way to a drought-breaking premiership.

Kennedy said the Swans were relishing the prospect of playing at the venerable old ground, having played their only home game of the season at ANZ Stadium, the usual venue for when these sides meet in Sydney.

"We are really excited about this game, first game back at the SCG, hopefully we can get a packed house to get us over the line," Kennedy said.

"It's a real test for us, they are three-and-zip and we want to try and improve on last year, and to do that, we have to beat the teams above us and they are one of them."

The Swans have yet to taste defeat this season, having beaten Essendon and West Coast and drawing with Melbourne in the opening round.

Kennedy predicted the midfield battle could dictate the outcome of the game with the Cats showing few signs of suffering with life in the post-Gary Ablett era at Skilled Stadium.

"It is going to be a big test on this ground, because it is such a small ground, the centre clearances are going to be a big part of who takes the points," he said.

"They have a lot of talent in midfield and with the exit of Gary Ablett it gives a lot more responsibility to (Jimmy) Bartel, (Adam) Selwood and guys like that who have stepped up and shown in the last few weeks they can cope without him.

"But they have been a top side over the last few years and if we can knock them over, it will be a real boost going into the bye and playing here with the crowd right behind us we think we can.

"We will be out for revenge this week after last year, and with a home crowd, hopefully they can get us over the line."

Kennedy says reigning premiers Collingwood are the team to beat in the AFL, but believes predictions of the Cats' demise have been greatly exaggerated.

"Collingwood are the team to beat because of the premiership last year and the way they have started this year," he said.

"A lot of people think Geelong will fall down this year but we certainly don't and this will be a massive test for us."

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