The Sydney Swans will be bolstered by the return of star midfielder Sofia Hurley for their must-win match against Essendon on Saturday.

The Swans have made only one change for their twilight clash with the Bombers in the final round of the AFLW home and away season. 

Hurley returns to the side after an injury-interrupted campaign, which has seen last year's club champion only feature in four games in 2025.

Sydney Swans v Essendon

Round 12 •

C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour • NSW

Senior coach Scott Gowans said Hurley was a big boost for what is a must-win game.

"She brings that bit of leadership, she's just great for the group in that respect," Gowans said.

"Footy IQ and then just her game, you know, her pressure's amazing, she's elite with the footy and she's a big in for us, which is well needed."

Cynthia Hamilton will miss the match after she hurt her knee and ankle in a heavy collision against West Coast in Round 11.

Sydney currently sits ninth, outside the top eight on percentage, going into Saturday's clash against 15th-placed Essendon. The Swans are on 24 points, along with seventh-placed West Coast, eighth-placed Adelaide and Fremantle, who are 10th.

"We hold all the cards, so it's up to us, but, you know, the way we're approaching the game is just to keep to our standards and our values and then let the results take care of themselves," Gowans said.

"Everyone's aware of what we've got to do, but it's how we do it. So we've just got to stick to doing that the best we can."

Given the importance of the match, Gowans said he hoped to see a big turnout from Swans fans locally and travelling.

What’s on at our Coffs Harbour game

 "It's important (to get a big crowd), and I hear the ticket sales are going well, which is great," Gowans said.

"It's a great surface and a great venue, very easy to get in and out of.
"Coffs is very important for us from the male perspective and from the female perspective with the academy, and we've got a couple of representatives coming along to the game, which will be nice as well so we're keen to get up there tomorrow."

Sydney plays Essendon at C.ex Coffs International Stadium on Saturday at 5pm.

TICKETS are available here. $15 for adults and U18 go FREE!