Sydney’s young guns are relishing their final Friday night match at home this AFL season, with Will Hayward expecting a fierce encounter with familiar foe Hawthorn.

The perennial finalists have become fierce rivals since squaring off in the 2012 and 2014 grand finals, especially after Lance Franklin’s shift from the Hawks to the Swans shocked the league in 2013.

The clubs sit outside the top eight after patchy starts to 2019.

But Sydney and Hawthorn have a knack of saving their best for each other, as evidenced by the fact their past six meetings have been decided by an average margin of eight points.

“These are the sort of games you really look forward to and want to play in,” Hayward said.

“Not only is it Friday night footy but it’s against Hawthorn, who we’ve had some really heated clashes with.

“It always seems to be a good game between the two of us.

“They’re a team that has had a lot of success here (winning their past three games at the SCG). They know what they’re doing and play well in big games.”

The 20-year-old Hayward is part of the Swans’ next generation that has been asked to step up this season, during which the club has fielded its youngest team in over two decades.

Sydney coach John Longmire knows occasions like Friday night football can help expedite the development of his youngsters.

“It’s fantastic to have those experiences,” Longmire said.

“It’s about the younger players taking their turn. That’s the exciting thing, giving those younger players the opportunity to do that.

“We’re really confident in that younger group.”

Longmire, like Hayward, tipped another cracking contest between the rivals.

“We’ve had some big battles with them over the journey. I’m sure this will be another one,” Longmire said.

“We know it’s always a fierce contest and that’s what we’re looking forward to.”

The Swans have made three changes for Friday night, recalling the fit-again trio of Hayward, Josh Kennedy and Zak Jones in place of hamstrung veteran Jarrad McVeigh, Jackson Thurlow and Tom McCartin.

The Hawks have replaced suspended skipper Ben Stratton and James Cousins with former captain Jarryd Roughead and Harry Morrison.

Longmire suggested the return of co-captain and former Hawk Kennedy would help cover the leadership void left by McVeigh.