ESSENDON and Sydney will head into Friday night's clash unchanged as both clubs look to strengthen their finals chances at Etihad Stadium.
The Bombers have won seven of their past nine games to give themselves a shot at making the top eight after an underwhelming start to the season, while the Swans are in fourth spot on the ladder but face a tough run home.
FOLLOW IT LIVE Bombers v Swans
Jake Stringer has returned to the Bombers' line-up after three weeks out with a calf injury, while the club has finally recalled top draft pick Aaron Francis for his first game of the season after strong VFL form.
But to keep their finals hopes alive they will need to overturn a poor recent record against Sydney, who are on an eight-game winning streak against Essendon.
That includes last year's elimination final clash, when the Swans powered to a 65-point win at the SCG.
They will also be keen to bounce back strongly after last week's shock loss to Gold Coast.
Essendon v Sydney at Etihad Stadium, 7.50pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Essendon: Darcy Parish, Kyle Langford, Aaron Francis, Matt Guelfi
Sydney: Nic Newman, Jordan Dawson, Colin O'Riordan, Robbie Fox
