THE SYDNEY Swans may be the reigning premiers and possess a culture the envy of many in the AFL, but even they look over with admiration at the Geelong Football Club.
The Swans and Cats clash head-on at the SCG this week in a massive Friday night match-up of two undefeated teams who have become accustomed to winning and expect to be in the hunt come September.
Since 2005, the Swans have claimed two flags and missed the finals just once, in 2009.
In that same period, the Cats have helped themselves to three premierships and also missed just the one post-season in 2006, just before their remarkable run of success began.
The Swans are often lauded for their standards and culture, but coach John Longmire feels they are constantly trying to keep pace with the Cats.
"We really respect them enormously and we try to maintain standards on a weekly basis that mean we're in games most weeks as well, hopefully," Longmire told reporters on Monday.
"That's what we try to do and no doubt looking from the outside, that's what Geelong are able to do.
"They're certainly one of the clubs that we try to keep up with as far as setting the tone over the last eight-to-10 years.
"Right across the field they're a real quality organisation and an organisation that we respect."
Despite their mutual era of success, the Cats had been well in front when it came to the head-to-head battle, winning nine straight matches against the Swans between 2006-2011.
Two seasons ago Longmire's team emphatically ended that streak, and a 12-year losing run in Geelong, before the sides took out their respective home games last season.
The Swans coach wasn't sure who should be fancied on Friday night.
"I think it's a pretty close call this week," he said.
"Both teams have had their period of success over the last few years and Geelong have continued to put some of the doubters at rest and regenerate their list.
"We try to regenerate our list all the time and be competitive every week and every year and that's what makes this week's game a really interesting proposition.
"Both clubs are hell-bent on being at the pointy end of the season.
"Last year's game here at the SCG went right down to the wire and was an absolute beauty and I expect this week to be a similar type of game."
One player Longmire is wary of is Tom Hawkins, who he rates among the best key forwards in the competition.
The Swans coach has been admiring Hawkins' ability since first seeing him at an under-18 carnival and knows it will be a big job for his defence to keep the 2012 All Australian in check.
"He won the best and fairest last year, which is not an easy thing to do as a key forward in any team, let alone Geelong's team," Longmire said.
"That probably shows you how much he's grown in stature and his presence in that football club.
"He's one of the hardest key position players to stop when he's in full flight.
"He's got an enormous body size, he's got a big jump and he's got a huge kick, so you really can't drop off him at any particular point on the ground.
"He's everything you want from a big power forward."
James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD