SUMMARY
The Swans were given little chance of beating Geelong last week without Lance Franklin and Dan Hannebery, but they kicked seven goals to one in a brilliant final term to pull off a remarkable win on the road. Leading into Saturday night's clash with North Melbourne the side will surely be full of confidence and buoyed by the contributions of some of their young players. The Kangaroos have been a surprise packet this season, but they face a tough test at the SCG where they have struggled and will be banking on Ben Brown to continue his hot start to 2018. All Australian Dane Rampe should get the job on the Coleman Medal leader, who has booted 23 goals from his first six matches. Swans skipper Josh Kennedy and Roos midfielder Ben Cunnington look set to square off and as two of the competition's best contested footy winners in a must-watch match-up.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday, May 5, 7.25pm
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R8, 2017, Sydney 18.12 (120) d North Melbourne 11.12 (78) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2016, Sydney 12.13 (85) d North Melbourne 10.16 (76) at Blundstone Arena
R10, 2016, Sydney 14.7 (91) d North Melbourne 9.11 (65) at the SCG
1SF, 2015, North Melbourne 11.11 (77) d Sydney 7.9 (51) at ANZ Stadium
R11, 2015, Sydney 14.7 (91) d North Melbourne 10.15 (75) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Josh Kennedy starred in the Swans' win over the Kangaroos last year with 37 disposals, six tackles, five inside 50s, nine clearances and a goal.
2. A big advantage for the Swans could be in the midfield where they're ranked equal sixth for centre clearances averaging 13.5, compared to the Kangaroos who are ranked 18th with nine per game.
3. Sydney has won five of the last six clashes between the sides and six of eight since 2013. Going back even further it’s all the Swans with 11 wins from 13 games since 2009.
4. Both teams are strong contested marking sides; the Swans are equal fourth averaging 11.8 per game and the Kangaroos are seventh with an average of 11.
5. The teams have played 28 times at the SCG with the Kangaroos holding a narrow advantage winning 15 games to 13, but the Swans have dominated recently winning five of the past six contests.
6. Kangaroos midfielder Ben Cunnington continues to climb the Schick Player Ratings. The hard nut is ranked 18th, up from 73rd at the same stage in 2017.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
It's sure to be an emotional 100th game for Sydney forward Gary Rohan. The 26-year-old's horrific broken leg stalled his career early on, and the recent loss of his newborn daughter has made it a tough month for the 26-year-old, but he's sure to get a rousing reception at the SCG on Saturday night.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney by 16 points
