Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy says this weekend’s opening round game against cross-town rivals GWS is the team’s chance to stamp their authority on Sydney’s AFL market.

Kennedy, who appeared on AFL Central, said the Swans will be determined to show their supporters that they’re ready to hit the ground running after a long pre-season.

“There is still a bit of unknown about GWS…but it always steps up a gear when round one comes around so I’m really looking forward to it and I hope we get a lot of support out there and really stamp our authority on this city,” Kennedy said.

“It’s a very important game for us and for our supporters and as I said, to stamp our authority on this city where we’ve worked so hard to build this supporter base.

“We want to show that if (GWS) want to come here and compete against us then they are going to have to fight for it because we’re going to bring our best next Saturday night.”

While the Swans will go into this weekend’s clash as favourites, Kennedy said he is hopeful the Giants will have some success this year to help the club establish themselves as New South Wales’ newest team.

“I want to see them win as many games as possible, obviously not against us, but I think for them to be successful up here they need to win as soon as possible,” he said.

He added that he hoped popular rugby league turned AFL star Israel Folau would be free to play this week.

“I really hope that Izzy plays this weekend...because you want them to have the strongest team possible,” he said.

“I know a lot of people are going to be coming to watch (Folau) because he seems to be improving with each game he plays.”

Kennedy was the leading possession-getter in Saturday’s 19-point win over the Gold Coast Suns, with 34, including 18 contested touches.