Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack says his team must match Hawthorn's philosophy of playing on the edge of the rules if they want to beat a "brutally good" Hawks side on Saturday night.

The third-placed Swans host the Melbourne visitors, who sit one below them, at ANZ Stadium in one of the biggest AFL matches of the season so far.

Pushing limits: Kieren Jack. Credit:Getty Images

Tenacious midfielder Jack set the scene for a ferocious contest by saying Sydney had to be prepared to bring a fierce brand of footy and high pressure.

Asked how close to the edge Sydney were prepared to go to score their second win of the season over Hawthorn, Jack said "as close as you can without giving away silly frees and things like that".