The Sydney Swans hit back late in the second quarter to currently trail Essendon by 11 points at half time of the round 2 encounter at ANZ Stadium, 6.8 (44) to 8.7 (55).

The Swans started the game the better of the two teams with the opening eight minutes of the first quarter all played in their attacking half, but could only capitalise with one goal on the scoreboard, courtesy of Jesse White after his tackle on Kyle Hardingham resulted in a holding the ball free kick.

The Bombers then controlled the second half of the first quarter, getting their important runners going, while the bigger bodies of Heath Hocking and Jobe Watson were feeding the ball out at the contests.

Essendon kicked four successive goals to finish the term, to take a 17-point lead into the first break.

The Swans opened the second quarter in much better fashion, with White and Jude Bolton goaling either side of an Alwyn Davey snap for the Bombers, reducing the margin to just ten points.

Essendon then kicked three consecutive goals through Stewart Crameri, Paddy Ryder and Heath Hocking to blow the margin out to just under five goals, before the Swans hit back with three of their own courtesy of Adam Goodes, Ben McGlynn and a great set-shot from Paul Bevan tight on the boundary line.

Ryan O’Keefe is leading the possession count again so far for the Swans with 15 disposals, while Dan Hannebery and Adam Goodes each have 12. The Swans have tightened up on the contested possessions in this game, although they still trail the Bombers 77 to 83 - Goodes has an equal team high of six, with Jude Bolton also having six from his eight possessions.

Brett Meredith is the substitute for today's game, and hasn't been used yet.