Daniel Merrett believes Sunday’s clash against reigning AFL Premiers Sydney could be just what the Brisbane Lions need to kick-start their season.

After such a promising pre-season campaign, the Lions have struggled in the early stages of the season proper with just two wins from five starts.

But Merrett says the team will head to Sydney with some confidence on the back of last Sunday’s win against Melbourne at the Gabba.  

“It gives us a little bit of momentum heading into Sydney, which is going to be a massive test,” Merrett said.

“As a group we’re really looking forward to it.”

Recent history doesn’t paint a pretty picture for the Lions, however, who have lost their past six matches against Sydney by an average margin of 44 points.

“You know you’re going to be in a contest all day (against the Swans),” Merrett said.

“They play a one-on-one style and you always know your opponent is never too far away from you.”

The Lions full-back admitted that his side ‘wasn’t travelling that great at the moment’ and would need to find some form quickly if they’re to cause an upset this Sunday.

“We haven’t handled the pressure well at all over the first few rounds. Those couple of bad performances we put in (at Etihad Stadium) were really disappointing,” he said.

“But the best thing about footy is that we get to go up against the reigning Premiers this weekend and try to redeem ourselves and start getting back to the footy we know we can play.”