THE SYDNEY Swans' ever-present and rock-solid back six may hold the key to the Swans' Grand Final outcome in a classic contest between a free-scoring offence and miserly defence.

Hawthorn's League-leading attack represents the irresistible force, scoring more than 100 points in all but six of 24 games.

At one stage, Hawthorn's high octane offence piled up scores of more than 100 in 12 straight matches.

But they come up against the immovable object in the form of the Swans' No.1 ranked defence.

The Swans gave up 100 points in a game just three times, although one of those occasions was a late season 102-95 loss to the Hawks.

While coach John Longmire and his players have consistently pointed to the Swans' pressure all over the ground, the stability of the back six is indisputably a big factor in their defensive success.

All six regular starters plus Nick Malceski have made at least 20 appearances in each of the past two seasons.

"It's definitely a key factor, I think having that six, even Nick Malceski has come back down there as a seventh," Swans backman Martin Mattner said.

"To be able to play the whole season and learn about each other, the way they play and what everyone's strengths are and weaknesses are."

Mattner, 30, will play in his first Grand Final in his 11th season, after losing two preliminary finals in his time with the Crows.

"I grew up in Adelaide so footy is everything and you sort of know about the finals, it comes around, it's a big thing," Mattner said.

"Whereas here (in Sydney) it's a bit more low key and it's not quite in the media as much, so it can be a good thing.

"But then sometimes you quite enjoy the hype of the finals time."

Mattner said Longmire had spoken to the players about when to switch on and off in the lead-up to the Grand Final.

"We've got a lot of experienced players at the club who have played in Grand Finals and experienced the week, so their knowledge and experience is going to be great this week," Mattner said.

"The young guys, you've just got to teach them and talk them through it and we've got to train well as well.

"That's the big thing, I think, if you train well then it goes a long way."