As Sydney stare down a make-or-break run of games, co-captain Luke Parker is determined not to let four points slip against AFL battlers Essendon.
The Swans sit sixth, within touching distance of the top four while also in danger of dropping out of the eight.
Parker said the Swans needed to make Saturday’s clash at Marvel Stadium, his 250th game, count ahead of tough fixtures against the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle.
“We’ve got a really tough run home and the thing is you want to make sure you’re on every game,” he told reporters.
“You don’t want to just pencil in a win here and there, you’ve got to make sure you actually go down there and do the job.
“The season and how it’s panning out is it’s very touch-and-go with a game here and a game there.
“We’re one game out of the four but we’re probably one game out of the eight.
“So it can go either way, we’re just trying to find some good form at the right end of the season and Mantap168 hopefully get on a roll.
The Swans comfortably accounted for Essendon by 58 points in round nine, with Parker making headlines for mocking Bombers midfielder Dylan Shiel for not attacking a contest hard enough.
Parker didn’t expect the Bombers to roll over again.
“A lot changed since then,” he said.
“They’re playing some really good football over the last month. I think they’re right up there with their contested football.”
Parker said he had about 30 friends and family coming to his milestone game.
“It’s something that’s kind of crept up on me and a pretty proud moment,” he said.
“It’s always a childhood dream to play one AFL game let alone 250.
“It’s something that I’m really proud of, to also (only) play for one club.”
Essendon will regain prolific midfielder Darcy Parish (calf) against Sydney but Andrew McGrath (adductor) will miss at least one more match.
Archie Perkins (calf) was a late withdrawal on Friday with dropped youngster Ben Hobbs earning a reprieve.
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher was recalled in place of Nick Bryan.
Sydney made one change, with Justin McInerney replacing Ryan Clarke.
