ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights says he will look beyond the Bombers' winning performance against the Western Bulldogs when picking his side to face the Sydney Swans this week.

Knights has a host of players pushing for selection with Andrew Welsh available after serving a four-match suspension, and Ricky Dyson, Kyle Reimers, Bachar Houli and Travis Coyler all performing well in the VFL.

He could also have Jake Melksham return from an ankle injury and Henry Slattery from bruised ribs.

"As a coach, I'd really not be having an open mind if I looked at just last week," he said. "We had guys who have missed the last couple of weeks who are up for selection.

"The reality is, selection pressure again is a little irrelevant because you can only play 22, and the two that come in have strengths and weaknesses and the two that might go out have strengths and weaknesses."

Knights could also have defender Dustin Fletcher available with the veteran to challenge his tripping charge at Tuesday night's tribunal.

He won't have ruckman Jason Laycock available, however, with the unlucky big man falling victim to another season-ending operation on his broken foot.

"Jason will find it difficult to play again this year. There's been no decision made on Jason's career, however," he said.

"That will be made in due course towards the end of the year. He'll go back into full rehab, get himself going again and we'd expect him to put his best foot forward.

"We understand he's had enormous challenges in his career and it's very disappointing for the young man."

Knights said the Bombers would expect a tough clash this weekend despite the Swans' coming off four straight losses.

"They've been outstanding over a long period of time, physically, with contested ball and the way they tackle and apply themselves to the game," he said.

"They've been a really consistent football team and we'll expect nothing less than a really strong performance.

"We'll have to take our best game up there because you have to take your best game on the road."