The stage may be a little bigger and the consequences of victory or defeat more significant, but Essendon champion Scott Lucas says that shouldn’t alter the Dons mindset.

The Bombers will compete in their first finals series since 2014 after recording 12 wins in the home and away season.

Run and dare through the midfield were common features of the side’s most dominant victories and Lucas said that should be a focus against Sydney on Saturday.

“They need to fully understand, which I’m sure they do, what has got them there,” Lucas said.

“Bring that to the table because if you look at it, it’s not that long ago they played – a few things have changed – but what troubled the Swans can be their weapon tomorrow.

“That speed, carry and overlap is going to be critical.”

The Bombers will unveil nine finals debutants, compared to the Swans two, but Lucas doesn’t see that as a major factor.

“Experienced teams lose finals and inexperienced teams win finals so I don’t think you should take much out of that,” he said.

“We saw the Bulldogs last year come up against experienced teams throughout the finals and get the job done.”

The Swans are ranked fifth for contested possession this season and boast two midfielders (Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker) in the top 13 in the competition in that category.

While matching those players at the contest is important, Lucas said the Bombers also needed to focus on their strengths.

“To get ascendency in there is particularly important at the SCG because you’re never far away from getting an inside 50 with one-on-ones forward of the footy,” he said.

“So if you can win the clearances you’re in the box seat.

“You need the big bodies to match them but also don’t give up your asset and that’s the run and carry.

“They need to support the bigger bodies and have a blend of quick players to get the ball on the outside.”