The influence of star big man Kurt Tippett has been instrumental in the Sydney Swans strong start to the season, according to senior coach John Longmire.

Since making the transition to No. 1 ruckman over the pre-season, Tippett has gone from strength to strength.

The 203cm No. 8 had a career-high 37 hitouts against North Melbourne in Friday night’s win and sits seventh overall in the competition for hitouts.

Longmire has found Tippett’s ability to influence the contest at ground level to be just as important as his work in the air.

“We are really happy with how he (Tippett) is going,” Longmire told SEN Radio.

“He has been incredibly consistent for us in the ruck – his performances week in and week out have been fantastic.

“His second and third efforts around the scramble and the stoppage work has been noted by our midfielders and they really respect the way he goes about it.”

Tippett is having a career-best season in a number of statistical categories including hitouts (19 per game), disposals (15 per game) and tackles (3.1 per game).

Despite a move into the midfield his impact up forward has not been lost with 15 goals to his name so far.

“He is providing a real contest for our midfielders, which means they have great confidence in him and he has taken a lot of contested marks around the ground,” Longmire said.

“He has still been able to push forward from the ruck and hit the scoreboard.

“Kurt was able to get a full pre-season under his belt and that makes a huge difference when a player is able to do that.”