World news – Swans and bombers were fortified ahead of Thursday night’s football

After Sydney retired him last week, Lance Franklin has returned to the Swans cast to face Essendon tonight.

Sydney, who had a five-day break between rounds three and four, was on hold it for best to bring the champion forward.

The bombers were also strengthened by the return of Captain Dyson Heppell, who missed with a back niggle.