The Swans were physically rattled in the opening quarter by Hawthorn two years ago on the biggest day of the football calendar, with the Hawks' attack on the man and ball sparking a three-goal buffer at quarter-time and a match-winning seven-goal lead by half-time.

Defender Jeremy Laidler could only watch on that day, having been named as an emergency, but said the Swans knew what would be needed this time around.

"It just shows you have to come out and start the game really well and make sure you are on your game early," he said.

The Swans have done just that through this season, and are ranked No.1 in the league for points, disposals and inside 50s in the opening 20 minutes of matches.

They enjoyed arguably their best start of the year in Friday night's preliminary final, blasting seven goals to nil against the Cats in what was one of the more stunning quarters of the season.

Laidler said the loss to Greater Western Sydney in the qualifying final a fortnight ago, including the manner in which the Giants had hunted their cross-town rivals, had stung – and been a defining moment.

"We looked back at the GWS final and they really came out and hunted us. We really analysed that in depth and knew that wasn't up to standard. That wasn't Bloods footy. We have changed that over the last two weeks," he said.

That attitude and form returned against the Crows last weekend, when the Swans also stormed to a seven-goal first term. "Bloods footy" – which defines the standards players set on and off the field – came to the fore under former coach Paul Roos in 2003.

"You have got to make the choice, whether you are going to show up and play, or let them [opposition] roll over the top of you," Laidler said.

"I thought we came out firing early [against the Cats] and really put the pressure on around the footy. I thought the mids were exceptional. It really helps us down back."

While the Cats would finish the night with more contested possessions, the Swans led this statistic in the first term, while their clean disposal when heading into attacking 50 through the night was crucial.

Patrick Dangerfield would lament his team's execution, for the Cats enjoyed a whopping 72-40 advantage in inside 50s. But their poor ball use meant the Swans had a 63-25 advantage in rebound 50s.

"To get that start that we did, seven or eight goals ... I thought our pressure and heat around the ball was spot on early and really set the tone for the rest of the game," Laidler said.

Familiar names, including Lance Franklin, Dan Hannebery, Kieren Jack, Heath Grundy and Josh Kennedy were instrumental in the win, while emerging talent Isaac Heeney (28 disposals) and clever small forward Tom Papley (three goals) also enjoyed strong nights.

"He [Heeney] chops and changes – midfield-forward. He is a really professional footballer. To be in his second year and playing finals footy at the level he is, it is exceptional," Laidler said.

"A lot of our young boys as well – Tom Papley has taken his game to another level, it's his first year – it's a real credit it to him. I suppose it goes to the confidence they have got around them and the coaches as well."

The Swans will have selection issues to debate. Defender Aliir Aliir did not return to the field after quarter-time, having hyper-extended his knee, but he is confident of maintaining his spot. Coach John Longmire said on Saturday Aliir, who limped through the airport on his return to Sydney, would have scans but was in good spirits.

"He landed awkwardly. He was walking around. Unsure if that is good sign but it's a better sign than being on crutches," he said.

Ted Richards, the veteran full-back, will retire once this campaign is done but he could be drafted in should Aliir struggle to get up. He had hoped to play alongside his brother Xavier in a final.

"It's a bit early to speculate," Longmire said.

Added Laidler: "Fingers crossed for Aliir but it just shows you we have depth. If we need Teddy [Richards] to come in, he comes in and plays a role. But I think Aliir should be right, he is pretty positive."

Co-captain Jarrad McVeigh (calf) and Rising Star Callum Mills (hamstring) will face fitness tests. Laidler replaced Mills for last week's clash against the Crows.

"Fingers crossed I get selected. I will just try and prepare like a normal week. There will probably be a bit more media and the parade. We will enjoy that and embrace it and come out Saturday and hopefully start the game the way we did," Laidler said.

Dumped by the Blues in 2013 after an unhappy season in Mick Malthouse's first season, Laidler, 27, says he has moved on from that frustrating time.

"That's behind me. I have moved on from that. [I am] definitely in a really good place at the moment and loving Sydney," he said.