Last week, Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse conceded the Cats’ best was simply too good for his side at its best.
Symes agreed Geelong’s best footy was near impossible to stop and said the focus leading into the round four clash would be to prevent Mark Thompson’s men shifting into that top gear.
“One thing we pride ourselves on is our defensive pressure. Us at our best, putting defensive pressure on, means Geelong is probably not going to play at its best and that’s the aim for us going in - to be at our best,” Symes said on Wednesday.
“A lot of teams go and apply a lot of pressure to Geelong. They move the ball pretty well and are skilful enough to get out of most situations.
“We’re going to have to be right at the top of our game even just to knock them back five or 10 per cent. If we can do that we’ll give ourselves a good chance.”
The Crows have had a lighter week on the track to counter the effects of a six-day break since playing in 32 degree temperatures in Perth.
Utility Scott Stevens will be given until Saturday to prove he’s recovered from a bout of concussion, but Jason Porplyzia, who is nursing a sore thigh, is expected to train later in the week.
Rob Shirley is yet to play a game in 2009, but Symes said the super-stopper could be in line for a recall given the quality of the Geelong midfield.
“He’s as good a tagger as we have and almost as good a tagger as there is going around. With guys like Gary Ablett and Jimmy Bartel around his name will be thrown up at selection.”
Symes, who broke bones in both hands/wrists after falling off the back of a vehicle over the summer, played his first game for Adelaide last week.
The 24-year-old spent two years on the outer at Port Adelaide before crossing to the Crows and admitted there were times he doubted he’d get his spot back.
“As I got closer to playing again those thoughts did start going through my head,” he said.
“A lot of the younger boys have been playing well over the pre-season and in the first few rounds, but I enjoyed my time here last year and had faith that if I did the right things the club would look after me again.”
