Sydney Swans vs Essendon Bombers: AFL live scores, blog

Yet to record a home-win this season, the Sydney Swans look to defend the SCG against the Essendon Bombers this Friday night in a game that may define the rest of the visitor’s season. Join The Roar for all the action, with live scores and a blog of the match starting at 7:50pm AEST.

While Essendon hopes to go back-to-back against the Swans, their record against them has been poor in recent years. The Bombers have not won a game at the SCG since Round 15, 2009, and have recorded just a single win against the Swans in their last 10 meetings.

If the Western Bulldogs’ win over Richmond, or West Coasts’ Grand Final repeat over Collingwood are anything to go on, history has a lot of sway over current form and this game could easily be an upset.

The Bombers may have showed huge improvement after their three consecutive wins since Round 3, but since facing losses from premiership favourites in Collingwood and Geelong, there are circling worries of a 2018 repeat.

Though after two consecutive weeks of late exclusion, Orazio Fantasia looks free from his illness and clear to line-up for the club this week.

Andrew McGrath and Tom Bellchambers have also been cleared and won’t miss, while Zac Clarke has overcome his calf injury and will be available for selection.

Essendon have decided to rest spearhead, Joe Daniher. With Mitch Brown (wrist) and Shaun McKernan (hamstring) still out, they may look to cycle their rucks through the forward line or play predominantly small.

The Swans have recorded only one win this season, adding their fourth consecutive loss following a 22-point defeat to Brisbane on Saturday evening.

They looked composed in the second term, kicking six goals to bring the margin to two points at the main break. Though come three-quarter-time Sydney had conceded 11 scoring shots to three.

This collapse at half-time has happened against Adelaide, Melbourne and GWS this year, losing in games they seemed a chance in.

Lance Franklin may also be the second big forward out, still not being a certainty to play due to lingering hamstring issues.

However, Tom Papley appears to have pulled up well from his marking collision last week and looks right to play.

It was also during Round 8 last year when Essendon lost to 18th on the ladder in a game that potentially defined their season. If Essendon want to convince the league they’ve grown, they cannot suffer the same result.

Prediction
While no side wants to record consecutive losses, it is important to note Essendon copped these from first and second on the ladder. While not there yet, they now recognise the standard and have something to build towards.

The Swans have slipped into a slump, having recorded their only win against Carlton who now sit one place above them. Though with nothing to lose and Essendon’s confidence fractured, the game could get close.

Bombers to bounce back.

Essendon by 27 points.

Where: SCG, Sydney
When: 7:50pm AEST
TV: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports
Betting: Sydney $2.25, Essendon $1.65

Sydney Swans
B Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican, Callum Mills
HB Jake Lloyd, Aliir Aliir, Jackson Thurlow
C Jordan Dawson, Zak Jones, Isaac Heeney
HF George Hewett, Sam Reid, Robbie Fox
F Nick Blakey, Tom McCartin, Tom Papley
FOL Callum Sinclair, Josh P. Kennedy, Luke Parker
I/C Kieren Jack, Will Hayward, Oliver Florent, Colin O’Riordan

Essendon Bombers
B Patrick Ambrose, Cale Hooker, Andrew McGrath
HB Aaron Francis, Michael Hurley, Orazio Fantasia
C Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish, Dyson Heppell
HF Matt Guelfi, Jake Stringer, Devon Smith
F Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, David Myers, Adam Saad
FOL Tom Bellchambers, Dylan Shiel, David Zaharakis
I/C Brayden Ham, Conor McKenna, Mason Redman, Zac Clarke
EMG Mark Baguley, Kyle Langford, Jordan Ridley, Michael Hartley