The Sydney Swans will return to Mission Whitten Oval to take on Essendon tonight in Round 6A of the compression fixture.

Essendon comes into the match off the back of a 65-point victory over Melbourne, whilst Sydney will be looking to avenge its narrow loss to the Bulldogs.

Swans Senior coach Scott Gowans admits the side will need to start strong if they’re to get on top of the Bombers this evening.

“Essendon have been playing good footy all year, they just haven’t got the results early on” senior coach Scott Gowans said.

“When you look at the back end of their numbers, they’re really strong. They move the ball really well, they tend to play a bit wider than we do. They hit each other up and use the ball really well.

“We will have to use our pressure and come forward at them, it’ll be a good contest, and they’re a team that get off to good starts so we’re going to have to switch on straight away.”

The Sydney Swans have made five changes to the side to face Essendon, adding depth and experience in Brooke Lochland, Maddy Collier and Brenna Tarrant.

With Ally Morphett sidelined for the season, the Swans have also added some height in Giselle Davies, while Bella Smith will return to the side for the first time in the 2024 season.

Essendon has made one change ahead of tonight’s clash with Sophie Van De Heuvel to miss the game after injuring her knee in Round 5 and Chloe Adams to make her return to the side.

Madison Prespakis will be a player to watch, after she finished with a goal, 32 disposals, 21 kicks, and 424 metres gained against Melbourne.

Daria Bannister impressed up forward for the Bombers last week with a four-goal haul and 15 disposals.

Gergia Nanscawan will also be one to watch after she finished with 32 disposals, 21 kicks and 11 handballs against Melbourne.