Sydney Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy says the development of the on-ball group has played an important role in the team’s early season success in 2013.

The 2012 Bob Skilton medallist said dramatic improvement in the likes of Dan Hannebery and Luke Parker, who average 27 and 22 disposals respectively so far this season, has added extra strength to the club’s midfield group.

“I think they’ve just improved this season. Dan, not just last week, but his start to the year has been fantastic, and it’s the same with ‘Parksy’,” Kennedy told SwansTV.

“They’ve stepped up and everyone is really at a very even level and contributing across the board, so it’s a really fantastic thing.

“They’re kicking a few goals as well - as are a lot of the midfielders - which is good because we’re just trying to add different strings to the bow.”

It’s not just the young guns who are adding to the Swans success this season, with co-captain Jarrad McVeigh and club veteran Jude Bolton showing impressive early season signs, with the pair locked on 12 goals apiece after six rounds.

Co-captain Kieren Jack has also had an impressive start to the year with an average of 25 disposals, while Kennedy, himself, is continuing on from his terrific 2012 season, averaging 26 possessions and six clearances per game.

The 24-year-old said it was really encouraging to see both the young and experienced players share the responsibility this season.

“I think it’s just a really even spread with a lot of guys who can rotate through (the middle),” Kennedy said.

“No one is really shouldering the load and everyone is playing their role and we’re gelling really well.”

The Swans now turn their attention to this weekend’s clash with Hawthorn at the MCG, which will be first time the two sides have met since the 2012 Grand Final.

Both teams have enjoyed a successful start to 2013, with five wins each heading into Saturday night’s match and Kennedy said the clash with the Hawks will be one of the Swans’ toughest challenges to date.

“Obviously we will set ourselves this week for a really big game and it’s going to be really exciting going down to Melbourne and playing in front what will hopefully be a big crowd in a real finals like game,” he said.

“They’ve played some good opposition and have played some close games which is a real credit to them and they’re going really well.

“We’re going to have to step up again if we’re going to match it with them.”

Despite the hype surrounding the first Grand Final re-match of the season, Kennedy said the club’s premiership victory would have no bearing on this weekend’s round seven match with the Hawks.

“The Grand Final has been and gone and we’ll have to address what we can control now and we still need to step up another level if we’re going to match it with them this week.”