There’s more to GWS than a talented and rapidly improving midfield, according to assistant coach Brett Kirk.

Sydney Derby X firms as the most hotly contested yet with the second ranked Swans taking on the sixth placed Giants in front of an anticipated sell-out at Spotless Stadium.

The centrepiece of the Round 12 encounter looks to be that widely discussed midfield battle. And rightly so given the quality of names running through both divisions including Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery, Kieren Jack, Dylan Shiel, Tom Scully, Callan Ward and Ryan Griffin.

But, as Kirk explained, the Swans would be flirting with danger if their game plan focused squarely on the home side’s onballers.

“A lot gets talked about their midfield because they bat deep and a lot gets talked about their outside run. Where GWS has really improved and lifted is their contested ball,” Kirk said.

“Forward they’re (also) really dangerous. They’ve got Steve Johnson, Jeremy Cameron, Jonathan Patton and a number of others who are really dangerous.

“Down back Phil Davis is having one of his best seasons to date, Heath Shaw is organising the defensive half well and Nathan Wilson is playing good footy on a half-back flank.

“There’s plenty of guys we can look at but we’ll be really looking to go after them as a team, not isolate one or two.”

Winning that midfield battle however will have a big say on who banks the four points with Kennedy, ranked second in the competition for average contested possessions, aiming to back up from his best-on-ground performance in the last encounter at Spotless Stadium.

Kennedy collected 35 disposals and booted two goals in the 89-point win, taking home the Brett Kirk Medal for his efforts.

If there’s no repeat performance, there won’t be any concern as Kirk is confident the likes of Parker, Hannebery or Jack can step in.

“You need an even contribution you can’t rely on one or two each week because most teams do their homework,” he added.

“If Kennedy is stopped anyone can bob up and play a part so it’s crucial to have a really even spread through there.”

Sydney has won eight of the past nine encounters including the last as early as Round 3, winning that one by 25 points in front of more than 37,000 fans at the SCG.