BLITZED by Hawthorn early in the 2014 Grand Final, the fast-starting Sydney Swans are making sure the boot is now firmly on the other foot.

Hawthorn ensured the last two Grand Finals were practically over by half-time thanks to dominant opening terms and the Swans are keen to emulate those feats.

In 2014 the Hawks kicked five goals to two against the Swans in the first quarter and outscored them six to three in the second to lead by 42 points at half-time.

It was more of the same in 2015, when the Hawks kicked five majors to West Coast's one in the opening term and were 31 up by the long break.

In the past two weeks, the Swans have burnt off Adelaide and Geelong in similar fashion.

They kicked seven goals in the first quarter of both games, having never previously booted more than six in the opening period of a finals fixture.

The start will again be crucial when they face the Western Bulldogs in Saturday's Grand Final at the MCG.

"We understand the importance of starting well," ruckman Kurt Tippett told AAP.

"We always try to focus on our first couple of contests and then flow from there.

"As a group, we're well aware of how important the start is."

The Swans have won 19 out of 25 first quarters, this season and haven't trailed by more than 11 points at quarter-time of any match.

The Swans have kicked five or more goals in eight opening quarters this year, but their defence has also played a big part in their strong starts.

Only twice this year have they conceded more than three goals in an opening term, and they still won both games.

They have kept five teams goalless by quarter-time, among them competition heavy-hitters, Hawthorn, Geelong and Greater Western Sydney.

The Bulldogs have also kicked five or more goals eight times in the first quarter, but have been outscored in 11 of their 25 opening terms.

Both clubs are among the top four in the competition in disposals, clearances, stoppages and tackles.