JOE DANIHER won't have to wait long to play at the SCG in 2020, with the AFL scheduling an early Sydney-Essendon showdown under Friday night lights.

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AFL.com.au understands the Bombers will travel north to tackle the Swans in round two on Friday, March 27.  

Joe Daniher takes a big contested mark in the 2017 elimination final. Picture: AFL Photos

Daniher expected to be wearing red and white in 2020, but a failed trade request will force him back to the Bombers in a season where he'll become a restricted free agent.

The Swans courted Daniher in the back half of 2019 but were unable to facilitate a trade with the Bombers to lure him out of Tullamarine.

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Should the 25-year-old overcome his ongoing groin troubles, it will be his first game against the Swans since the Bombers' 65-point elimination final loss at the SCG in 2017.

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The Bombers have failed to win at the SCG in their last seven attempts, dating back to 2009. 

In round eight last year, the Swans escaped with a controversial five-point win over the Bombers. Co-captain Dane Rampe was fined post-match for climbing a goalpost in the dying stages.


Daniher has played five games against Sydney in his 104-game career for just six majors.