SYDNEY Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy says the club must work harder and plug defensive holes if they are to stop in-form Essendon in their clash on Friday night.

Kennedy said Hawthorn exposed some uncharacteristic defensive frailties that Essendon might try to exploit this week at the SCG.

The Hawks ended the Swans’ unbeaten run at 12 with a 10-point win last round and Kennedy said they were on guard against the Bombers.

"I thought we were pretty poor defensively and gave them too much uncontested possession and Essendon might take that into the game as well, so we have to be on top of that," Kennedy said.

Injured Dan Hannebery won't return to fortify the midfield but Kennedy said the loss of the All Australian couldn't be blamed for their stumble against the Hawks.

Hannebery has missed their last five matches with an ankle injury.

Kennedy acknowledged Hannebery's ability but said his absence had given opportunities to new talent such as Harry Cunningham and Jake Lloyd.

"Obviously he (Hannebery) is a great player and we love having him playing," Kennedy said.

"He's a huge asset to us but I think we have been able to cover him pretty well since he's been out.

"We've been playing really well apart from the weekend (against Hawthorn) and it will be great when he comes back, but at the moment we've got full faith in everyone else that's taking the park."

Kennedy said the Bombers had also done well to cover the loss of their midfield general, with captain Jobe Watson still sidelined with a hip injury, and was impressed with their form over the past month.

Essendon have won their past three games and are coming off the bye.

"They've got no Jobe (Watson) playing, but other guys have stepped up and (Jake) Carlisle is obviously in great form and (Dyson) Heppell has really stepped up as well.

"It's going to be a huge contest and I think it's going to be a really tight match."

The Swans will be backing up with a six-day turnaround but Kennedy said they had no excuses.

"I don't think (the short turnaround) should worry us and in the past we've done pretty well," he said.

"It's about trying to bounce back and to get back to what we know were good at.

"It will be another test for us this week and hopefully we respond in the right way."