Star midfielder Dan Hannebery believes the Sydney Swans cannot afford to rest on their laurels in Saturday's qualifying final against GWS.

Despite finishing the regular season on a high, having secured the minor premiership after winning seven of their last eight matches, Hannebery says it will all be for nothing if his side doesn't bring its best to ANZ Stadium.

The two clubs were locked at one win apiece after their two home and away encounters earlier this season, the Giants coming away with a comprehensive 42-point win in Round 12 at Spotless Stadium last time they met.

Sydney was soundly beaten across the board, but especially in the midfield battle which many have touted in the last two weeks as the key to winning the latest installment of the Sydney Derby and the all-important one-way ticket to the preliminary finals.

Hannebery, who's played in nine of the past 10 cross-town derbies, says his side will need everything working in sync to get the job done.

"We know what they're capable of. They finished top four for a reason, they've played an incredible brand of football," Hannebery said.

"They not only have hard runners, they're incredibly hard on the inside and they've got a really good balance in their forward line and back half with lock down (players) and good ball users.

"We know we've got our work cut out for us. We know we need to bring all aspects of our game. We've got to be really sharp. They're going to be up and about as it's their first final.

"You have to match their intensity and that's something we've trained for. We're expecting a really tight tussle, and hopefully a great match."

Hannebery has been in strong form all season, but in particularly the last five rounds of the season where the 25-year-old has averaged 35 disposals per game.

The same could be said for nearly every member of that midfield group, which Hannebery noted have been in "ripping form" heading into another finals series.

And it isn't only the stats that have impressed the first-year leader.

"We're working really well together (as a midfield) but we're always looking for areas to improve on," Hannebery added.

"It's important to have that midfield depth. If you have those one or two guys who may be down on their usual output, they're there to pick up the slack."

Hannebery was one of an unprecedented five Sydney Swans players to earn All Australian honours this season.

He joined fellow midfielders Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker, while Lance Franklin and Dane Rampe also made the coveted team.