The AFL has officially sanctioned the club's practice match against the Sydney Swans at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, February 10th.The game will be played outside the AFL's official practice match time frame and as such required AFL approval. The 16-a-side match will commence at 4.00pm with gates opening at 2.30pm.

The NSWAFL is hopeful of going close to filling North Sydney Oval which has a capacity of 17,500. "We would like to think we will pack the ground," NSWAFL Communications Manager Jill Moss said. "The early signs have been pretty positive and it will be heavily promoted in the week leading up to the match. Essendon has a big following in Sydney." Tickets for the match can be accessed by calling Ticketek on (02)92664800.