THE Sydney Swans Reserves will be looking to bounce back to strong form when they meet second-placed Ainslie at the SCG tomorrow, starting at the early time of 2.10pm.

The Reserves match has been scheduled to start earlier than usual because the Qantas KickStart game, featuring 50 Indigenous teenagers coached by Swans games record holder Michael O’Loughlin, will be played at 4.50pm.

Reserves coach, Daniel McPherson, said it was a good chance for Swans fans to get along to the ground early and see some of the up-and-coming players in action before the main game between the Swans and the Western Bulldogs begins at 7.10pm.

McPherson said the side, which is on top of the AFL Canberra ladder, was focused on performing well against Ainslie after a disappointing loss to them in Canberra last time they played.

“Ainslie beat us easily about a month ago so we need to improve,’’ McPherson said.

“We’re looking for a much better effort from everyone, and for a lift in our work rate when we don’t have the ball. We need to improve the defensive side of our game,’’ McPherson said.

Under the rules of the AFL Canberra competition, the Reserves are allowed to field 13 Swans-listed players. However this week McPherson has only 11 listed players because injuries have taken their toll.

Nick Smith and Gary Rohan, who played in the Reserves last week, have been selected in the senior side to play the Bulldogs, after Ben McGlynn and Jarred Moore were ruled out through injury.

Kristin Thornton, Ed Barlow and Craig Bird are also missing through injury.

Lewis Johnston, who has been under a cloud with hip soreness, has been cleared to play in the Reserves tomorrow.

McPherson said Ainslie had some very good players, including Robert Shirley, who used to play with the Adelaide Crows.

“We can’t move from first place on the ladder and they can’t move from second, so we know we’ll play them again in two weeks time in a semi-final,’’ McPherson said.

“We’re looking for the likes of Nathan Gordon, Sam Reid and Dylan McNeil to continue the consistent form they’ve shown this season.

“But as always, our main focus is preparing the young guys so they are ready for senior footy when the opportunity arises. If they do the right things in that regard, then we should play well as a team.’’

The Sydney Swans Reserves play Ainslie at 2.10pm at the SCG tomorrow. Gates open at 2.05pm.