SYDNEY Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy is aware of the perception outside the club that his side isn't quite ready to challenge the top four sides this season.

The Swans have proven highly competitive in 2011 and sit comfortably in the top eight, but they haven't managed to knock off any of the top four teams in four attempts so far.

After a big build-up, the Swans disappointed in last week's defeat to third-placed Carlton and face another huge test against reigning premier Collingwood at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

Kennedy, who will play his 50th AFL game against the Magpies, knows few are giving the Swans much chance of an upset, but there remains a strong belief within the club that they can win.

"Definitely, we know what's going on and see the news and it's pretty disappointing that's how it's panned out last week and over the past couple of years," he said of their struggles against the top teams.

"So we want to be able to turn that around and I think we can, we've just got to put everything in place.

"If we play the way we want to play for four quarters, we're pretty confident we can do that.

"We feel we've matched it with the best sides in the comp for periods of games, it's just a matter of being able to maintain that for four quarters.

"If we can do that we should be right up there."

Released by Hawthorn at the end of 2009 following 13 games in two seasons, Kennedy has settled in superbly to the Sydney Swans' line-up.

He played all 24 games last season, finishing third in the club's best and fairest count and named their best player in their two finals matches.

Kennedy is pleased to reach the 50-game milestone.

"I'm pretty happy to get the 50 games up, it's been a long time, and from a team perspective it's obviously really important for our season," he said.

"Obviously the last 30 or so games have flown by so it's been good.

"Hopefully tomorrow night we can get a win because it will put us in really good stead going into the end of the season."

Averaging over 22 disposals and more than five tackles per game, Kennedy is happy with his consistency, but feels he can still get better.

"I think from this time last year I've improved quite a bit," he said.

"I've still got a lot left in me I believe, but I think especially the last few weeks I've been pretty consistent and able to really provide a useful purpose within the side."

And the Swans have no shortage of motivation against Collingwood.

As well as the four points and a confidence-boosting victory, the Swans are also embracing the SIDS and Kids organisation and hoping their fans can set a new world record for red noses worn in one place.

"Yeah (the boys are pumped up) for a number of reasons, obviously there will be a pretty big crowd and the SIDS for Kids foundation and the red nose day out there, that's part of it," Kennedy said.

"And also because of last week's disappointment and another chance to knock off a top four side."

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.