Essendon returns to the finals for the first time since 2014 while opponent Sydney has missed the finals just once in the last 15 years.
The Bombers will be bolstered by the inclusions of All Australian Michael Hurley and dynamic forward Orazio Fantasia.
Dan Hannebery is back for the Swans while Kurt Tippett was left out.
You can read Robert Shaw's match preview by clicking here.
The weather
Clear, light winds with a top of 19.
The History
R14, 2017, Sydney Swans 11.20 (86) d Essendon 12.13 (85) at the SCG
R7, 2016, Sydney Swans 20.15 (135) d Essendon 7.12 (54) at the SCG
R1, 2015, Sydney Swans 10.12 (72) d Essendon 9.6 (60) at ANZ Stadium
R19, 2014, Sydney Swans 11.13 (79) d Essendon 8.9 (57) at the SCG
R9, 2014, Sydney Swans 18.6 (114) d Essendon 9.10 (64) at Etihad Stadium
The Teams
Sydney
In: Sam Naismith, Dan Hannebery, Tom Papley
Out: Harry Cunningham, Will Hayward, Kurt Tippett
Milestone: Luke Parker - 150 games
B: Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe
HB: Callum Mills, Lewis Melican, Jarrad McVeigh
C: Jake Lloyd, Josh P. Kennedy, Isaac Heeney
HF: George Hewett, Lance Franklin, Gary Rohan
F: Kieren Jack, Callum Sinclair, Sam Reid
R: Sam Naismith, Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery
I: Zak Jones, Nic Newman, Tom Papley, Dean Towers
E: Aliir Aliir, Harry Cunningham, Daniel Robinson
Essendon
In: Michael Hurley, Orazio Fantasia
Out: Heath Hocking, Jayden Laverde
Milestones: David Myers (100 games)
B: James Kelly, Michael Hartley, Mark Baguley
HB: Andrew McGrath, Patrick Ambrose, Conor McKenna
C: Jobe Watson, Darcy Parish, Brendon Goddard
HF: Zach Merrett, James Stewart, Martin Gleeson
F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Joe Daniher, Josh Begley
R: Tom Bellchambers, David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell
I: Orazio Fantasia, Michael Hurley, David Myers, Travis Colyer
E: Jayden Laverde, Heath Hocking, Shaun McKernan
Key notes:
- David Myers will play his 100th game for the Club 3,415 days after making his debut.
- The Bombers have three options to use on Lance Franklin. Michael Hartley may get the first opportunity after lining up on the Swans forward earlier this season. Michael Hurley and Patrick Ambrose are the other options.
- Sam Reid is an important swingman for the Swans. He generally starts in the forward line but shifts to defence late in quarters or when the Swans need to stem the flow. Ambrose has the running power and strength to go with Reid and shapes as a possible match up.
- Without Cale Hooker the Dons will be relying on a smaller forward set up. The pacy forwards will start high up the ground and then look to use their pace to run into an open forward line.
