The Sydney Swans on Friday will take a further step up in preparations for the return to play as they near closer to a clash against Essendon on June 14 at the SCG.

Players will take part in their first match simulation session on Friday morning since a stoppage to the season following Round 1.

Head of Coaching and Development John Blakey said the session would be important to get players back in the rhythm of heavy contact.'

“We are really looking forward to our first real competitive hit out together,”

“We have been doing some competitive drills earlier in the week but on Friday we get the chance where we can treat it like there is an opposition there.

“We’ll try and get our line (groups) working together properly as we haven’t got a lot of time to practice that.

02:04

Blakey excited for match simulation

SwansTV caught up with John Blakey on the sideline today as we look toward our first match simulation this Friday.

“We will be looking to really getting used to receiving the hit and the whack again.”

Players have just two weeks of training remaining before the season resumes at the SCG on a Sunday afternoon against Essendon.