SUMMARY
The stakes could barely be higher as the Sydney Swans visit Hobart for the second time in their history. Despite another percentage-boosting victory over St Kilda last week, the Swans are still in a fight for a top-two spot and need to keep winning well to secure a home qualifying final. Fresh off a dominant six-goal haul that ended St Kilda's finals hopes, Lance Franklin looms as a major stumbling block for the struggling Roos. North boasts an impressive record at Blundstone Arena, winning eight in a row, but Brad Scott's side was blown out of the water early by Hawthorn last round and is facing a fight to hold onto eighth spot. Another defeat, combined with Melbourne beating Carlton, and the Roos will enter round 23 potentially playing for their season against Greater Western Sydney.
Robbie Tarrant has the tough task of trying to curb Buddy's influence. Picture: AFL Photos
WHERE AND WHEN: Blundstone Arena, Saturday, August 20, 1.45pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2016, Sydney Swans 14.7 (92) d North Melbourne 9.11 (65) at the SCG
SF, 2015, North Melbourne 11.11 (77) d Sydney Swans 7.9 (51) at ANZ Stadium
R11, 2015, Sydney Swans 14.7 (91) d North Melbourne 10.15 (75) at Etihad Stadium
PF, 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
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans have dominated the Kangaroos since 2008, winning 10 of their 13 meetings.
2. The Swans relish contested football and are the number one tackling side (79.8 per game), while North Melbourne is ranked 14th (67.2 per game).
3. North Melbourne has built Blundstone Arena into a fortress, winning the past eight games at the venue stretching back to round three, 2013 when the Swans last came to town.
4. The Swans are among the competition's elite for scoring (99ppg, ranked fourth) and defending (67ppg, ranked first).
5. The Kangaroos have lost seven of their last nine games, kicking only 76ppg, after averaging 100ppg in the opening 12 matches.
6. North will have its work cut out stopping the Swans' three star midfielders Josh Kennedy (fourth), Luke Parker (14th) and Dan Hannebery 19th), who are all ranked top 20 in the Schick Official AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Robbie Tarrant. The North Melbourne defender was outstanding on Jack Gunston last round but faces another huge test against rampaging Lance Franklin, who slotted 3.4 when the teams met in round 10.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Swans by 11 points
