Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos has warned his players Collingwood's hold over them will continue unless they aren't defensively sound at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
The Magpies have defeated the Swans in their last four meetings, including a 38-point win in last year's elimination final.
Roos admitted his team had been out-muscled in each of those losses and must increase its tackling output if it is to break its run of outs.
"They (Collingwood) have out-tackled us really well last year and that is a mindset thing," he said on Thursday night.
"Our guys need to come with that mindset and compete really hard."
"We probably got out-tackled in most of those (losses) and that's something we need to address."
"If we don't put pressure on the ball-carrier then they'll beat us like they have the last three times."
"Tackling has always been a benchmark of the Brisbane teams that won three in a row and certainly our team and I suspect West Coast and Geelong."
Roos conceded the Swans had been stung by their lack of recent success against Collingwood but know what they have to do to smash the jinx.
"Our guys are proud, they play (with) a competitive spirit," he said.
"They are aware that they have been beaten three times last year by Collingwood and they are aware that we need to play a lot better than what we did last year in order to win."
"In that final I think they almost doubled us in tackles so we need to come (ready to compete)."
"If they do that again they'll win, end of story."
"If they smash us in the tackles, they'll beat us."
The fourth-placed Swans, who just enjoyed a week off, have won six straight games while the Magpies sit seventh after a hot and cold season.
While desperate for victory, Roos isn't placing any greater importance on Saturday's match.
"It's four points regardless. You don't get 4.5 for beating Collingwood," he pointed out.
Sydney will welcome back ruckman Peter Everitt from injury but will be without dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes (suspension) for the first time in 204 games.