At least for the Bombers it is a struggling but winning Essendon unit, which has claimed victories in the past two weeks despite being well short of its best.
Mark Thompson hopes his charges will lift to the occasion but the Swans will be out to stop that from happening after claiming an important 19-point win over the reigning premiers Hawthorn last week.
Both clubs have the bye in round 10, so will be even keener to hit their break on a winning note.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday May 16, 7.50pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here forthe broadcast guide??
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for match day info
LAST FIVE TIMES?
R10, 2013, Sydney Swans 17.13 (115) d Essendon 10.11 (71) at the SCG
R11, 2012, Sydney Swans 13.8 (86) d Essendon 11.16 (82) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2011, Essendon 15.10 (100) d Sydney Swans 14.15 (99) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2011, Sydney Swans 14.14 (98) d Essendon 13.15 (93) at ANZ Stadium
R11, 2010, Sydney Swans 12.17 (89) d Essendon 12.8 (80) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS?
1. ?The Bombers have been a strong clearance side this year, ranked third in the competition with captain Jobe Watson in the top 10 players. The Swans are a few places back in seventh spot.
2. It is a battle of the top two biggest ball-winners so far in 2014: Swans star Josh Kennedy has had the ball more than any other player this year with 246 possessions and next best is young Don Dyson Heppell (233 disposals).
3. No team has laid more tackles in 2014 than the Swans, who average 75 a game. Essendon is 11th in the competition, with 62 a game.
4. Watch out for Buddy. Lance Franklin has averaged five goals a game in 10 matches against Essendon. A big task looms for one of the Bombers' defenders.
5. The Bombers' forward line is struggling, and they haven't kicked more than 10 goals in a game since their round three belting of Carlton.
6. Dan Hannebery is climbing the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade. The Swans midfielder started the year as No.99 overall but is now ranked No.65.
