Essendon has included Shaun McKernan and Kyle Langford for the match against Sydney on Friday night.
McKernan shapes as the replacement for the injured Cale Hooker, while Langford is expected to spend significant time in the midfield.
The Swans have lost Zak Jones through suspension. Harry Marsh will also miss with Oliver Florent coming into the side along with Lewis Melican.
Read Robert Shaw's match preview here.
The weather
Clear with a top of 19.
The History
R7, 2016, Sydney 20.15 (135) d Essendon 7.12 (54) at the SCG
R1, 2015, Sydney 10.12 (72) d Essendon 9.6 (60) at ANZ Stadium
R19, 2014, Sydney 11.13 (79) d Essendon 8.9 (57) at the SCG
R9, 2014, Sydney 18.6 (114) d Essendon 9.10 (64) at Etihad Stadium
R10, 2013, Sydney 17.13 (115) d Essendon 10.11 (71) at the SCG
The Teams:
Sydney
In: Oliver Florent, Lewis Melican
Out: Zak Jones (Suspension), Harry Marsh
B: Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Jake Lloyd
HB: Callum Mills, Dane Rampe, Nic Newman
C: Gary Rohan, Josh P. Kennedy, Isaac Heeney
HF: George Hewett, Lance Franklin, Dean Towers
F: Kieren Jack, Sam Reid, Tom Papley
R: Sam Naismith, Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker
I: Oliver Florent, Will Hayward, Lewis Melican, Callum Sinclair
E: Shaun Edwards, Jordan Foote, Harry Marsh
Essendon
In: Shaun McKernan, Kyle Langford
Out: David Myers, Cale Hooker (hand)
B: Mark Baguley, Michael Hartley, Andrew McGrath
HB: Dyson Heppell, Brendon Goddard, Martin Gleeson
C: Orazio Fantasia, Zach Merrett, James Kelly
HF: James Stewart, Michal Hurley, Ben Howlett
F: Tom Bellchambers, Joe Daniher, Josh Green
R: Shaun McKernan, Jobe Watson, Travis Colyer
I: David Zaharakis, Kyle Langford, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Conor McKenna
E: Josh Begley, Craig Bird, Matt Dea
Key notes
- Shaun McKernan has been used as a forward in the VFL in recent weeks so expect him to fulfil the tall forward role that Cale Hooker has been occupying. McKernan will also offer ruck relief for Tom Bellchambers, meaning Joe Daniher can play as a permanent forward.
- The Swans have brought in Lewis Melican to combat the Bombers tall forwards. Melican is 193cm and he along with Dane Rampe and Heath Grundy will need to cover Joe Daniher, James Stewart and Shaun McKernan.
- The Bombers are the best rebounding side in the competition, averaging 44 rebounds from the defensive 50 per game. The Swans are ranked 11th.
- David Zaharakis had 33 possessions and kicked two goals in his last match against the Swans.
