SYDNEY Swans midfielder Harry Cunningham says Lance Franklin's brilliant start to the season hasn't surprised anyone inside the club.
Franklin has starred in each of the Swans' first two games of the year against Collingwood and Carlton in a stunning return to the competition after last season's off-field issues.
The three-time Coleman medallist had 18 possessions against the Blues and kicked four goals – the exact same output he produced against the Magpies – and has once again stamped himself as one of the competition's premier key forwards.
Swans belt Blues to make it two from two
The Swans landed back in Sydney on Monday morning after their 10-goal win over Carlton, and Cunningham said Franklin's form hasn't just appeared from nowhere.
"He's had a ripper pre-season so it's good to see him translating that into footy form," Cunningham said on Monday.
"We've got faith in Lance to be able to do that. He's a quality player and has been for a long time, so I didn't expect anything less.
"He was prepared for it (the season) and is playing some really good footy at the moment."
Franklin will be a key player when the Swans take on Greater Western Sydney on Saturday afternoon at the SCG, but he's not the only big man of importance for the home side.
Ruckmen Kurt Tippett and Callum Sinclair have the ominous task of taking on GWS star Shane Mumford, with all three men hitting the Sydney derby in serious form.
Mumford's physical presence was immense in the Giants' 13-point win over Geelong on Sunday, while the Swans pair combined for 33 possessions, 14 marks, six clearances and seven goals against the Blues.
While the ruck duel will be pivotal to the contest, Cunningham said it would be one of many.
"Cal's (Sinclair) fitted in really well and they've got a nice combo going, him and 'Tippo', but in saying that we really can't get complacent," Cunningham said.
"They've got a big battle this week with Mumford so they'll just take it week by week, but it's good to see them gelling early in the season.
"It's not just (won) on one battle, I don't think. They've got a quality side and have 22 players that play well, so it's going to take 22 of us to turn up to get the win.
"They're (the Giants) fierce at the contest and always apply a lot of pressure around the footy, and we know they've got some good ball users coming out of the back half, and then they've got some big targets forward as well.
"We know they've got quality players all over the ground and it's going to be a big test for us."
Harry Cunningham makes life hard for Nick Graham on Sunday. Picture: AFL Media
