SUMMARY
After a hard-fought win over West Coast last round, North Melbourne will enter its clash against the Sydney Swans with a full head of steam. Saturday night's encounter presents the ultimate test for the Roos, who were comprehensively beaten by the Swans in last year's preliminary final. Fast-forward nine months and the second-placed Swans remain in a strong position after easily accounting for Gold Coast last Saturday. In-form midfielder Daniel Hannebery poses a big threat coming off the back of his 42-possession game. The Roos need to claim a big-name scalp after hefty losses to Hawthorn (round five) and Fremantle (round eight).
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday June 13, 7.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
1PF, 2014, Sydney Swans 19.22 (136) d North Melbourne 9.11 (65) at ANZ Stadium
R4, 2014, North Melbourne 13.13 (91) d Sydney Swans 6.12 (48) at the SCG
R3, 2013, Sydney Swans 20.11 (131) d North Melbourne 13.14 (92) at Blundstone Arena
R4, 2012, Sydney Swans 17.11 (113) d North Melbourne 10.17 (77) at the SCG
R10, 2011, Sydney Swans 10.12 (72) d North Melbourne 9.17 (71) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans dominated the Kangaroos in all the key statistics in last year’s 71-point preliminary final triumph, winning the disposal count (356-329), tackles (61-50) and inside 50s (69-44).
2. The Swans are third in tackles this season, averaging 72.2 a game. The Roos are 14th, but laid 91 tackles last round.
3. The Swans have won eight of the past 10 contests against the Roos, with one draw – in 2008.
4. These clubs have clashed four times at Etihad Stadium, with two wins to one in North’s favour, and one draw. They last met in Melbourne four years ago.
5. The Swans are the No.1 handballing team this season, averaging 181.7 a match. The Roos are sixth.
6. Attacking midfielder Shaun Higgins has moved up the Official AFL Player Ratings in every game this season. He started the season at No.367 and is now No.210 – the 14th-highest Roo in the ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Scott Thompson
North's key backman will be targeting a repeat performance from round four last year, when he restricted Lance Franklin to just one behind. Thompson was the only defender to keep Franklin goalless last season, but the power forward turned the tide with five goals in the preliminary final. The duel will again go a long way to deciding the result.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by seven points.
