Corey Warner will run out for the first time this AFL season with senior coach John Longmire making just one change to his lineup. The Sydney Swans will face Essendon at the SCG this Saturday night in the hopes of securing a third consecutive win.

The versatile Robbie Fox will sit out of this week's clash with the Bombers due to a minor calf injury. 

Warner was recruited with pick 40 of the 2021 AFL Draft and made his debut in Round 5 of the 2023 season kicking a goal against Richmond. He made two more appearances last season in Round 11 and Round 18. 

The Swans have enjoyed a strong start to 2024 with convincing wins over Melbourne and Collingwood. Despite the impressive efforts against two top sides, Longmire is not underestimating a strong Bombers outfit. 

"We know we need to win the contest and we know that in particular, around the scramble, that Essendon are really good," he told Sydney Swans Media. 

“It’s been a good start and our challenge is to keep that going and keep reinforcing what we know works."

The red and white haven't faced Essendon on home territory since 2022. In their last two meetings just single figures have separated the teams.

Our Saturday night outing will be the last home game for three weeks as the squad travel to Melbourne for an Easter Sunday clash with Richmond, and to Adelaide for Gather Round against the West Coast Eagles. The team will have a bye in Round 5. 

"We’ll need to be at our best this week in front of what we hope is a big home crowd.”

After the success of March to the Match on Opening Night, the team will again walk from Sydney Swans HQ along Driver Avenue and to the SCG ahead of the game. Members and fans are encourage to join a guard of honour along the route from 6:30pm. 

Gates open at 5:30pm with first bounce from 7:30pm. 

Sydney Swans v Essendon - March 23, 7:30pm AEDT - SCG

IN: Corey Warner
OUT: Robbie Fox (injured)

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