The race for top four positions heats up this weekend with three teams vying for third and fourth spot on the NEAFL ladder.

The Swans are locked in a battle with Sydney University and Aspley – who all sit in equal third on the same premiership points.

Sydney are fifth on percentage and face a rampant UWS Giants outfit at Spotless Stadium on Saturday morning in the fourth time this season the two sides have met.

Craig Bird returns to the NEAFL line-up but the Swans have lost some firepower in Daniel Robinson, Jackson Kelly, George Hewett, Lloyd Perris, Zak Jones, Lachlan Behagg and Dean Towers.

Midfielder Jack Hiscox said the match was an important clash heading into the finals.

“It should be a really good game; we have had some disappointing results against them throughout the year,” Hiscox said.

“Hopefully we can put in a good performance and improve on last time which was really disappointing.”

“We are looking to get a bit of respect back and get some good form heading into finals.”

Caleb Marchbank, Tomas Bugg and Jack Steele are among the outs for the Giants with Eastlake young guns Brydan Hodgson and Harrison Himmelberg selected as top-ups.

A win is crucial for the Swans top-four chances before finishing off the minor rounds against Aspley in a Grand Final rematch at Graham Rd next week.