Essendon defender Michael Hurley is excited at the prospect of taking on Sydney’s star studded forward line at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

The Bombers are set to face an in form Swans outfit coming off a 19 point victory over reigning premier Hawthorn.

Kurt Tippet and Lance Franklin combine for six goals in their first match playing in Sydney colours.

Hurley said the team’s defensive unit was confident they could rise to the challenge of taking on the dominant duo.

“Our back six has held pretty strong for the majority of the year so it is just another challenge for us,” Hurley said.

“It doesn’t really matter who you get they are going to be good, Franklin, Tippet, Reid, it is pretty daunting I suppose.”

The Bombers last victory over the Swans came in Round 20, 2011 by just a point at Etihad Stadium.

Hurley said the Bombers were prepared for the challenge of tackling an in form Swans team.

“It is going to be a massive game for us, obviously with a short turn around into a big game against Sydney on a Friday night,” he said.

“It is a massive challenge for us, hopefully we start playing a bit better footy and start playing the way we know that we can.”

The key defender praised the performances of young brothers Zach and Jackson Merrett who continue to impress.

“They both play exactly how we want them to play, their forward pressure is fantastic,” Hurley said.

“It was good to see Zach kick a couple last night and hit the scoreboard as well.”

“Zach has fit in really well, it must help when you go to a club with your older brother but they are both playing some good football.”