Coach Paul Roos has confirmed Jared Crouch will return after one week in the reserves to renew his 'friendship' with Jason Akermanis on Sunday.

The Swans play the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval in Canberra but all eyes will be on Crouch and 'Aka' given their history of great contests.

Roos admits history played a part in team selection.

"Crouchy will play given the history on Jason," Roos said on Friday.

"They've had some good battles. The debate with Crouchy was if one week is enough (in the reserves) and the mix of the winning team last week.

"Jason is a good player and his ball use is very good. He's a player you have to watch because he can have a significant impact on the game."

Roos believes the match will be more significant for his team given the Bulldogs are close to becoming a premiership force.

"They've got their run, they've got their flair, and they've really worked on their hardness over the last twelve months," he said.

"They've got a really good look about them and they're really getting closer to becoming a potential premiership team.

Crouch's return comes at the expense of Sean Dempster.

Meanwhile, Ryan Griffen (hamstring) and Jordan McMahon (thigh) will be absent from the Western Bulldogs team.

Andrew McDougall comes into the forward line, Sam Power the backline with Cameron Faulkner replacing Harbrow on the interchange.

ROUND 9
WESTERN BULLDOGS vs. SYDNEY SWANS
Sunday, 1.10pm - Manuka Oval, Canberra

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Richards, Barry, Crouch
HB: Kennelly, C.Bolton, Mathews
C: Ablett, Kirk, Malceski
HF: R.O'Keefe, O'Loughlin, J.Bolton
F: Davis, Hall, Buchanan
FOLL: Jolly, Goodes, Fosdike
I/C: Bevan, Everitt, McVeigh, Schneider
IN: Crouch
OUT: Dempster

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Power, Harris, Morris
HB: Gilbee, Wight, Hargrave
C: Eagleton, West, Akermanis
HF: Giansiracusa, Johnson, Cooney
F: McDougall, Darcy, Higgins
FOLL: Street, Cross, Boyd
I/C: Addison, Faulkner, Hahn, Ray
IN: Faulkner, McDougall, Power
OUT: Griffen (hamstring), McMahon (thigh), Harbrow