After a long pre-season, footy is finally back and the Swans are primed to start season 2015 in the best possible fashion.

As the boys prepare for Saturday’s season opener against Essendon, sydneyswans.com.au takes a closer look at the hot topics surrounding the massive clash at ANZ Stadium.

The ‘Buddy Factor’

Swans forward Lance Franklin loves playing against the Bombers and the ‘Buddy Factor’ will be a talking point right up until the first bounce at 4.35pm.

Despite talking down past performances against Essendon during the week, the superstar can’t hide from his five-goal average (55 goals in 11 games) against them.

Last time the two teams met Franklin produced a dominant 18-possession, five-goal display in the Swans’ 50-point win.

A couple of early goals and Swans supporters might see some more Buddy brilliance on Saturday.

Will the Swans hatch another golden egg?

The pre-season throws up all sorts of selection dilemmas for the game’s coaching staff.

There’s no excusing John Longmire and assistants with a bevy of young Swans putting their hands up for a round one debut.

Isaac Heeney has been touted by many as one that may receive a well-earned call up following a notable pre-season, averaging 13 disposals and booting three goals during the NAB Challenge series and impressing the coaches with his along the way.

The QBE Academy product is joined Dan Robinson, Toby Nankervis and Jack Hiscox who are also in the mix after playing throughout the NAB Challenge.

Sam Reid – forward or back?

Sam Reid played his first full game in defence in the Swans’ final NAB Challenge hit out against GWS in Canberra.

Reid received full praise from stand-in coach Stuart Dew having competed well against Giants powerhouse Jeremy Cameron.

With potentially Jake Carlisle and Joe Daniher to contend with, will the coaching staff throw Reid back or will the key be used as another forward option alongside Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett to stretch the Dons?

John Longmire’s 100th game as senior coach

What better way to launch the new season and celebrate John Longmire’s 100th game as coach than with a round one win.

Longmire diverted the attention away from the feat on Monday, saying this weekend’s game was “all about the players” which is a testament to our premiership coach but there’s no taking away from the significance of the milestone.

Longmire moves into the top 34 of all-time games coached, joining former Fremantle head and current Essendon assistant Mark Harvey in the 100 club.

Let’s hope the boys can do it for Horse.