In the latest edition of Opposition Watch, Swans Media explores Essendon’s camp ahead of the Sydney Swans’ match against the Bombers at the SCG on Sunday. 

Recent form
Like the Swans, Essendon will head into the competition restart with a Round 1 win under their belt. 

In their season opener, the Bombers set up a comfortable 26-point three-quarter time margin, before staving off a late Fremantle surge in final quarter.

New recruit Jacob Townsend led the way with three goals, while Jake Stringer was lively up forward with two majors.

Ins and outs

Captain Dyson Heppell is set to be named to play his first match of the 2020 season. Heppell missed the season opener with a foot injury, but is expected to return for Sunday’s clash at the SCG.

Meanwhile, livewire Orazio Fantasia is set to miss Sunday’s match with a quad strain, while fellow forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is in some doubt after rolling his ankle during the week.  Coach John Worslfold said in his weekly press conference that McDonald-Tipungwuti would be given up until Saturday to prove his fitness.

Key match-up
One of the most talked about match ups will be one that doesn’t come to fruition. Many will have been eager to see the duel at opposite ends of the ground between Lance Franklin and Joe Daniher. What might have been had a trade deal been reached? 

With both key forwards sidelined with injury, attention will be focused on the battle of the midfields.

Essendon will be bolstered by the return of Dyson Heppell, who joins a strong midfield group including Zach Merrett, Andrew McGrath and former Giants Dylan Shiel and Devon Smith. They will battle with a Swans group including co-captains Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker along with Oli Florent, who were all so instrumental in the Swans Round 1 victory against the Crows in Adelaide.

Last time they met
The recent history between the Swans and Bombers is full of memorable and close encounters. Most recently was Round 16, 2019, in front of a 60,000 strong crowd at the MCG.

In a tight, seesawing affair, the Swans held a narrow margin leading into the final term, but would ultimately be overrun, going down by 10 points.

The battle between midfield bulls Shiel and Kennedy was a highlight, with the Bombers’ star shading his Swans rival for the three Brownlow votes with his 29 disposal performance. Kennedy’s 35 disposals and nine clearances earned him two Brownlow votes. 

What they said
Essendon coach John Worsfold: “We will go up there [to the SCG] with a solid team ready to play at our absolute best. Were working on a lot of things in terms of how we move the ball and how we want to defend…I’m looking forward to seeing how we pull it all together.”