An Isaac Heeney-inspired Sydney has overcome a spirited North Melbourne to snatch an 11-point victory at the SCG on Saturday.

Heeney kicked the final goal with four seconds remaining to seal the win, having been instrumental throughout the final term as the Swans were given a huge fright by a Kangaroos team that responded heroically to a 108-point thumping by Brisbane last week.

The Kangaroos appeared set for an unlikely victory when Kayne Turner slotted the opening goal of the final term to stretch their lead to 14 points but the Swans were then able to kick the last four goals of the match to prevail 13.8 (86) to 12.3 (75).

Justin McInerney, who racked up an incredible 14 touches in the final quarter, kicked a crucial goal in the 22nd minute to make the margin six points but the Kangaroos then had several forays forward that included a behind to Jaidyn Stephenson until Heeney's final intervention ended the contest.

Lance Franklin was mobbed by thousands of fans after kicking his 1000th career goal the last time the Swans visited the SCG but this time was forced to watch on for the last quarter and a half when substituted out of the match due to a finger injury.

06:38

Highlights: Sydney v North Melbourne

See the highlights from the Sydney Swans Round Four thriller

While the Swans will be happy to leave with the four points there will also be some concerns for Paddy McCartin after he went straight down to the changerooms following a heavy knock halfway through the final term. The former No.1 draft pick returned to run out the match.

North Melbourne shook things up with Jack Ziebell starting forward and he earned an early free kick with a desperate tackle on Nick Blakey that set the tone for the Kangaroos and gave them the opening goal of the match.

Ziebell brought some of the pressure and intensity he has played with in defence over the past year back to the Kangaroos' forward line but impressed just as much as a leading target to finish with five goals.

At the other end, Swans veteran Sam Reid marked his return to the senior side with an early goal, taking his chance from a set shot 50m from goal and close to the boundary in the first term.

The injury-prone forward-ruck was involved in several attacking plays and helped stretch a North Melbourne backline that also had to deal with fellow talls Franklin and Hayden McLean (both two goals).

The Kangaroos appeared to have the edge in the ruck with Todd Goldstein and Tristan Xerri double-teaming the Swans' club debutant Peter Ladhams, but the deep Sydney midfield was able to dominate the clearances 42-30.

Click here to cast your vote for your Round 4 MVP.

  • 00:46

    Mark of the Week - Round 4, 2022

    Tom McCartin takes a strong contested mark before finding Sam Reid for our opening goal of the afternoon.

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  • 00:43

    Goal of the Week - Round 4, 2022

    With just seconds remaining and the game hanging in the balance, Isaac Heeney delivers when it matters most with a clutch goal in the dying stages.

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  • 01:18

    Bell post-game interview - Round 4, 2022

    James Bell made the most of his late call-up with a starring two-goal performance against North Melbourne.

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  • 01:49

    McInerney post-game interview - Round 4, 2022

    Justin McInerney made a brilliant return from injury with a strong second-half performance that ultimately lead to his match-winning goal late in the fourth quarter.

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  • 07:17

    Longmire: It was a little bit of a relief

    Watch Sydney's press conference after round four's match against North Melbourne

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  • 06:38

    Highlights: Sydney v North Melbourne

    See the highlights from the Sydney Swans Round Four thriller

    AFL
  • 03:46

    Last two mins: Heeney seals it after Roos' charge falls short

    The thrilling final moments between Sydney and North Melbourne in round four

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  • 00:20

    Team Song: Sydney

    Watch the Swans celebrate their round four win

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  • 01:05

    Super sub Ronke

    As Lance Franklin comes off with an injury, Ben Ronke's fresh legs provide a brilliant running goal

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  • 00:56

    Bell snaps a clever goal on the run

    James Bell crumbs the contest and kicks a great running snap goal

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  • 01:28

    Pyke pre-game interview - Round 4, 2022

    Hear from assistant coach Don Pyke as the we begin final preparations for our match against North Melbourne at the SCG.

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  • 07:48

    Lloyd press conference - April 7. 2022

    Hear from Jake Lloyd as he fronts the media ahead of our Round 4 match against North Melbourne this Saturday afternoon.

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  • 08:35

    Longmire press conference - April 4, 2022

    Hear from John Longmire as he fronts the media ahead of our Round 4 match against North Melbourne on Saturday.

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Just-in time
Winger Justin McInerney was the hero for the Swans just when they needed someone to stand up. The 21-year-old was the park, using his speed to take the game on and drive the Swans forward. He racked up an incredible 14 disposals in the final term to go with four marks and a clutch goal to put his side in front with seven minutes remaining. He finished the game with 30 disposals and seven clearances in a brilliant performance.

SYDNEY                             3.2      6.4       9.6      13.8 (86)
NORTH MELBOURNE        4.0      6.1      11.1     12.3 (75)

GOALS  
Sydney: Franklin 2, Bell 2, McLean 2, Reid, Warner, Ronke, Hayward, Heeney, McInerney
North Melbourne: Ziebell 5, Goldstein 2, Zurhaar, Xerri, Simpkin, Mahony, Turner

03:46

Last two mins: Heeney seals it after Roos' charge falls short

The thrilling final moments between Sydney and North Melbourne in round four

BEST  
Sydney: McInerney, Mills, Heeney, Florent, Warner
North Melbourne: Ziebell, Simpkin, Horne-Francis, Stephenson, McDonald

INJURIES  
Sydney: Franklin (finger)
North Melbourne: Zurhaar (concussion)

LATE CHANGES
Sydney: Sam Wicks (H&S protocols) replaced in selected side by James Bell
North Melbourne: Nil

SUBSTITUTES  
Sydney: Ben Ronke (replaced Lance Franklin in third quarter)
North Melbourne: Aiden Bonar (replaced Cam Zurhaar in fourth quarter)