The Swans are undefeated on top of the ladder and had been eagerly anticipating the top of the table showdown with the Demons, ideally placed just three weeks out from finals.

But injuries to Jayden Klemke and Joe Byrnes, along with the report of co-captain Nick Perryman, has Collingullie-GP suddenly limping into the contest.

“I was a little bit disappointed Jayden did his hamstring and Nick Perryman got reported. I wanted a good hit-out with them on their home ground, that’s where everyone plays their best footy,” Griggs said.

“Our first game with them was our highest class game of the year, in terms of standard of game, and I was looking forward to having another run at that.

“Obviously Jayden is at the centre of that for them and is one of the best in the league. Having said that, some teams can be too one-man focused and it might be a blessing in disguise for them.”

Griffith had the bye last week and will come into the clash refreshed for the last three games before finals.

The Swans will welcome back Mick Duncan and are also hopeful that forward Sam Daniel will return from a month off with a stress fracture in his foot.

Griggs could not be happier with how his team is placed.

“We’re itching, really,” he said.

“We had a good bye week. It was good to get away from footy for a couple of days and we had one night off last week too to rest the bodies. (Tuesday) night was our first training for a little while and it showed, the boys’ energy was up and they were really keen.

“We’ve finished our fitness component so we should be really fit and there’s no excuses not to play good footy now. We should be itching to play.”

The Swans should finish minor premiers despite the result of Saturday’s clash. They sit two games plus percentage clear on top of the ladder, with just the three rounds remaining.

While the Swans’ lead on the rest of the competition has widened in recent weeks, that’s not how Griggs sees it.

“It’s not so much widening, I think Ganmain is closing in very, very fast,” he said.

“They’re probably, for mine, that second best team in the comp. 

“The conditions we played them in last time weren’t fantastic and contributed to the scoreline. They play a very good brand of footy that will stand up come finals.”

Meantime, Griggs is yet to re-sign with Griffith for next season. He expects to come to an agreement with the club before finals.

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