Sydney Swans ruckman Kurt Tippett believes winning the aerial battle will go a long way to victory in Saturday’s qualifying final against GWS.

Tippett and counterpart Sam Naismith shouldered the ruck duties in the final two rounds of the regular season and look likely to pair up again when the Swans and Giants do battle in Sydney Derby XI at ANZ Stadium.

Meeting the Swans combination at the ball ups and stoppages will be GWS big men Shane Mumford and Rory Lobb.

Both players are considered vitally important to the Giants’ structure.

Only All Australian ruckmen Max Gawn and Todd Goldstein had more hit outs than Mumford this season while Lobb’s impact up forward is undisputed given the 205cm key took the second most number of contested marks.

Giving his midfield "first look" at the football, Tippett says, will be crucial on Saturday amid the heat and intesnity of finals footy.

Only two games in as a ruck duo, Tippett and Naismith have a considerable challenge ahead of them but are looking forward to what looms as an intriguing battle between the clubs’ big men.

“They’re a fantastic group,” Tippett said of Mumford and Lobb.

“And they’re surrounded by some handy midfielders.

“The challenge will be to get our hands to the ball first and give our midfielders first look at it.

“We’re not shying away from it. We’re looking forward to Saturday.”

Tippett is also two games back from an extended injury layoff, in which the 29-year-old spent eight weeks recovering from an injured hamstring tendon.

Tippett says, despite limited game time, he's feeling fit and ready to tackle the upcoming finals campaign.

"I've been fortunate enough to play two games leading into this finals series," Tippett added.

"I've had less minutes than what I'd normally do...but the body is feeling fantastic and I'm really excited to play finals."