Sydney defender Nick Smith believes the AFL’s two premiership favourites will provide the Swans with the ideal preparation for the final stages of their tilt at back-to-back flags.

The reigning premiers face the second-placed Cats in Geelong on Saturday, then host ladder-leading Hawthorn on Friday week at ANZ Stadium.

Both matches should serve as dress rehearsals for September, with Smith rating the tough run to finals as a dream draw.

“Personally I’d prefer to play the two best sides (rather than lowly teams),” Smith said at the Swans’ recovery session on Monday.

“We did it last year and we lost three of our last four.

“But in saying that, we started playing some really good footy. We did have confidence going into finals that we we’re playing good footy.

“It’s perfect preparation, playing the top two sides. It’ll get us in good habits and it’ll be finals-like pressure.

“It’s a great lead up to September, but we’re just focused on this game.”

No other member of the top four, locked for the finals after the weekend’s results including Sydney’s 59-point win over St Kilda, has anywhere near as challenging a fortnight.

Geelong have lost just once in their past 42 clashes at Simonds Stadium, but that defeat was against Sydney in 2011.

“I don’t think we really fear going to play anywhere,” Smith said.

“The Cats down at their home ground is always a tough challenge. I think we’re all really looking forward to it.

“The grand final is in Melbourne, so we’re going to have to play finals away.”

Smith has had some classic one-on-battles with Geelong wizard Steve Johnson in the past.

But the no-fuss 25-year-old noted the Cats boast plenty of other potent goal sneaks that he might be called on to quell.

“They’re definitely up there,” Smith replied when asked if the Cats’ small forwards are the best in the league.