Midfielder Nic Fosdike returns to a Sydney team on Saturday that he feels is showing all the right signs as the club attempts to defend its AFL premiership.

Fosdike, one of the Swans' best in last year's memorable grand final victory over West Coast, will return to face Essendon at the SCG following one week out with a calf injury.

There is likely to be a late change, with Amon Buchanan in hospital fighting a shoulder infection from a cut suffered during the week. Simon Phillips or Luke Vogels will be his replacement if he fails to recover.

Sydney will move to 11-7 for the season and well within reach of the top four with victory against the Bombers with just four games remaining before the finals.

At times in 2006 the Swans have drifted away from the team-first, high-pressure style that proved so effective last year, but Fosdike feels they are nearing their best at the right time of the season.

"We had a slow start to the year. We were sluggish and probably assumed things were going to happen," he said.

"Then we got a pretty quick wake-up call that they weren't. That was a kick in the arse for us. Hopefully we learned a lesson and are back to the type of Swans footy we pride ourselves on.

"Guys have been playing with a bit more confidence and the coaches have seen more positive signs with our game plan and discipline."

Sydney has won its past two games and faces only one side currently in the top eight to close the season, next week's clash with Melbourne at the MCG.

The Swans should also gain some more experience in the coming weeks, with Jared Crouch back for the reserves on Saturday after a long layoff, Ben Mathews (calf) nearing full fitness and Nick Davis also pressing for a recall.

"Obviously this is the business end of the year," Fosdike said.

"It'd be good to get a couple of guys back ... and hopefully over the next few weeks really gear up towards the end of the season.

"Guys have been executing their roles and playing with a bit more confidence and flair and that's been the real positive signs for us."

Sydney is a clear favourite with the bookies against the 15th-placed Bombers, but Fosdike is wary of a side that beat the Swans back in round one.

"They've got some guys back in good form after having quieter starts to the year, guys like Jason Johnson," he said.

"We're definitely not underestimating them. We always have a good battle with Essendon, so we're looking forward to a tight clash."

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