Triple-premiership star Isaac Smith is set to be a large part of Sydney’s preparations to take on the Hawks on Friday night after the midfielder's scintilating start to the season.

The 29-year-old is averaging career-high figures for inside 50s (five a game), goals (1.71) and goal assists (0.86) this season, with teammate Liam Shiels lauding the midfielder’s increased ability to hit scoreboard in the opening seven rounds.

“He’s had a really good start to the year, Isaac,” Shiels told 3AW on Monday night.

“I think the most pleasing thing about Isaac’s season so far is he’s been able to get a lot of footy in the front half and if he’s doing that he’s kicking goals.”

Having kicked 12 goals already this season, Smith looks set to improve on his career-best haul of 24 goals in 2014, with the wingman currently sitting inside the competition’s top twenty after bags of four and two goals against the Saints and Bombers respectively in the last fortnight.

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The much talked-about congested state of the game has also meant Smith’s speed and ability to break games open is as valuable to the Hawks as ever before.

“We saw last week he kicked four goals and I think two of those were on the run from 50 and this week he’s also hit the scoreboard with two goals,” Shiels said.

“So I think he’s pretty important player at the minute and one player that can definitely break the lines and spread away from congestion.”

The Hawks meanwhile will look to extend their recent good form against the Swans having emerged victorious from their past three clashes – all of which were decided by six points or less – with Shiels expecting yet another close encounter.

“It’s always tight games against Sydney,” he said.

“I think the weather forecast is 13 and rain so it’s going to make it a scrappy affair.

“But it’s always a tough challenge coming up against the Swans, we’ve got a bit of a modern-day rivalry against them.”