Isaac Heeney is in rare form.
19 coaches' votes in his last fortnight, after totalling 59 disposals and six goals in two matches, say as much.
It is the kind of form that sets talkback radio, panel show and water cooler debates alight. The honour of league's best player is again being disputed, with Heeney's name now firmly entrenched alongside those of Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli.
Speaking to Fox Footy's AFL360 program, Dean Cox was quick to join in the chorus of those waxing about his high-flying utility.
"He's in unbelievable form," Cox said.
"He'll take players forward and also get back behind the ball to support as well. I can't speak highly enough of what he's doing for our club at the minute, and hopefully it continues.
"His ability within the contest, and his ability to transition from contest to contest is really high. He's as tough as any player.
"People certainly talk about his highlight reel but what he does around the contest is first class. His skill and vision - he wants to play for the team, and do whatever the team needs.
"I see Isaac week to week, and what he's done the last couple of years has been phenomenal. I think he's one of the elite midfielders in the comp."
Cox was also quick to praise the emergence of Justin McInerney, who has filled the void left by Errol Gulden's injury as well as one could.
"We were going to play him on ball, and (have him) spend some more time through the middle of the ground. His two-way transition running is as good as any, and his game understanding is at a really high level."
Cox is pleased with his utility's attitude, labelling him"hungry for improvement," while also giving the 25-year-old credit for the way he attacked his rehabilitation from a PCL injury last year.
His team's dominant victory over the Gold Coast Suns at Gather Round was on the back of an immense pressure and ascendancy at the coalface. Cox offered that both phases were an intentional focus leading into the clash with a fellow contender.
"We set ourselves for a really contested brand of footy. Our pressure on the ball carrier was immense. The players executed really well," he said.
The Swans next task is a date with fierce rivals Greater Western Sydney on Friday night.
