THE SYDNEY Swans have been dealt a big blow ahead of Friday night's clash with Essendon, with forward Lance Franklin ruled out with knee soreness.
Franklin's withdrawal will be music to the ears of Essendon fans, as he has tormented the Bombers over the course of his career.
The superstar has kicked five or more goals in his last six games against Essendon and 55 goals overall in 11 appearances.
His absence opens the door for Tim Membrey to make his Swans debut.
Pick No.47 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, Membrey is a medium-sized forward at 188cm and is outstanding in front of goal.
Membrey will start on the ground at the SCG, with Jake Lloyd the substitute and Harry Cunningham, Craig Bird and Gary Rohan starting off on the bench.
Bombers coach Mark Thompson has named Cory Dell'Olio as their sub, with David Zaharakis, Jackson Merrett and Ben Howlett on the bench.
The ladder-leading Swans will be aiming to bounce back from last week's loss to Hawthorn that snapped a 12-game winning streak.
Seventh-placed Essendon, meanwhile, can go a long way towards shoring up its place in the finals if it can secure a fourth straight win.
