Veteran defender Heath Grundy is one of two players set to return to the Sydney Swans line-up for a clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

Young midfielder Jordan Dawson will play his first senior game since Round 3, 2017, while Harry Marsh and Darcy Cameron are the two omissions for the Round 19 opener.

Grundy hasn’t played at senior level since Round 16 but produced a rock-solid game in a NEAFL match against the Gold Coast Suns last Saturday, gathering 25 possessions and steadying the ship in defence at the SCG.

Sydney coach John Longmire said Grundy would give the Swans a big boost.

“Heath is an experienced player so it’s good to have him back in the team,” Longmire told QBE Team Selection.

“He’s good for our back six down there.”

Dawson signed with the Swans via pick 56 at the 2015 national draft and has since been enormous in the NEAFL in the midfield and forward line.

The 21-year-old has received his opportunity off the back of an outstanding performance in the NEAFL, reeling in 29 disposals, three goals and, to set a competition record, 24 tackles.

Longmire said Dawson was ready to go.

“Jordan has been playing in the NEAFL for a number of weeks now and has been really good with two sides of the game – both with pressure but also being able to hit the scoreboard, which is what we’re after,” Longmire said.

“Heath and Jordan both deserve their chance.”

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