Brent Harvey expects to be targeted by the Swans on Saturday night, but is confident he can overcome any challenge thrown at him.

“I probably put so much pressure on myself, especially early days – and even two or three years ago and even at some stages this year — that I need to perform for us to win,” he told The Herald Sun.

“That’s what I have probably always thought.

“Now, Brad and I have got a great relationship and it’s put things in perspective.

“I know I don’t need to be the best player or Drew (Petrie) doesn’t need to be the best player, or Jack (Ziebell) doesn’t need to go out and dominate or Dal (Nick Dal Santo).

“If we have 22 guys contributing, we will be a massive chance.”

Harvey is expected to be tagged by Swan Harry Cunningham, but will take plenty from his ability to get on top of the opposition last week.

The 37-year-old was one of the Roos’ match-winners in the do-or-die elimination final, and revealed the Tigers’ players had spurred him on.

“Shaun Grigg told me last week that I was selfish,” Harvey said.

“And that I was taking up another young guy’s spot on the list. That was interesting, I thought. I keep those little things in the back of my mind.”

After 20 years at AFL level, countless tags and constant sledging, there are few things that can impact Harvey’s performance.

Tiger Taylor Hunt found that out first hand.

“I love the fact that he (Hunt) thought he could rough me up and get the better of me.

“He was getting stuck into me a little bit, but I’m a competitor.”

The veteran is sure to be vital to North’s chances at ANZ Stadium, and says last year’s preliminary final defeat won’t be weighing in the mind of the Kangaroos’ players.

“I’m sure Brad will touch on it (last year’s loss), but they’re two completely different teams because we’ve got five or six different players and so have they,” he added.

“I believe we are a lot better team than what we were last year and we made a prelim, but in saying that it’s finals footy, it’s do-or-die.

“And they (Swans) are a bloody good team. They have been for a long time and they will continue to be a bloody good team, so we have got a big job ahead of us.”