SUMMARY
North Melbourne and the Sydney Swans could scarcely have had more contrasting starts to the season. The Roos have lost narrowly to 2012 finalists Collingwood and Geelong, while the reigning premiers have had relatively comfortable wins over last year's bottom two teams, Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast. But North's form against Geelong last Sunday, particularly in the first half, suggests it can push a Swans team that has yet to hit top form. The Roos also have the advantage of playing at their home away from home, Blundstone Arena, where they commanded huge local support last year.
WHERE AND WHEN: Blundstone Arena, Saturday April 13, 1.45pm?
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R15, 2010, Sydney Swans 12.13 (85) d North Melbourne 7.13 (55) at the SCG
R4, 2010, Sydney Swans 14.16 (100) d North Melbourne 8.12 (60) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2009, Sydney Swans 15.10 (100) d North Melbourne 13.7 (85) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans were too strong for North the last time the sides met, in round four last year at the SCG. Despite missing Adam Goodes and Shane Mumford, the Swans beat the Roos by 36 points.
2. The Swans have dominated the Kangaroos recently, winning the past six contests. North last beat them in round six, 2007.
3. In four of their past five wins over North, the Swans have won the possession count. But in the teams' most recent clash, North won the possession and mark counts.
4. North played well in both of its games at Blundstone Arena last season, thrashing GWS by 129 points and losing to West Coast by two points. The Swans will be playing at the Hobart venue for the first time.
5. In his past eight matches against North, former Swans co-captain Adam Goodes has polled 14 Brownlow Medal votes, including four three-vote games.
6. This will be the 153rd clash between the clubs. The Swans hold an 80-71 advantage, with one game drawn.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the author or the clubs
