SUMMARY
Expectations will be high heading into this clash at the SCG between two teams in terrific form. The Swans dispelled any doubts about their ability to match it with the AFL's best again this season with a dominant display against Collingwood last Friday night. Adam Goodes was back to his imperious best, part of a midfield brigade that marched all over the Pies. It was the premiers' biggest scalp and best performance of 2013.

But they will meet an opponent head on who are also at the peak of their powers. Essendon bounced back from consecutive losses and question marks over its form with an excellent display against Richmond in the Dreamtime at the 'G showdown. With the Bombers sitting third, just two points above the fifth-placed Swans, prepare for a fierce onslaught at a packed SCG.

WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday June 1, 4.40pm

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds

LAST FIVE MEETINGS
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
R15, 2009, Essendon 15.17 (107) d Sydney 10.12 Swans (72) at the SCG

THE SIX POINTS
1. It is difficult picking a clear favourite in this one and recent history offers little help. The past four games between the two have been decided by less than 10 points, including margins of five, one and four points over the past three.

2. Last year's match-up at Etihad Stadium was the definition of momentum swings. The Swans were cruising when they built a 47-point lead heading into the last change. But Essendon kicked nine goals to two in a remarkable fourth quarter, falling short by just four points.

3. Both sides boast a dominant midfielder in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Josh Kennedy's incredibly consistent form as a Swan has him sitting second overall, behind only Gold Coast's Gary Ablett. But Bombers skipper Jobe Watson is breathing down his neck in fourth place.

4. The Swans have a slight edge in games at the SCG, winning 11 of the 22 games at the venue, with one draw. That includes the infamous 1996 preliminary final when Tony Lockett's behind after the siren gave the home side a Grand Final berth.

5. Thrillers are the norm in games between the Bombers and Swans. There have been 10 one-point games, the most in League history between two teams, with each side claiming five wins.

6. Essendon's defence is ranked second in the competition in 2013, one place ahead of the Swans. The Bombers have the edge offensively, sitting third overall to the Swans' eighth.