Following a disappointing 2013, the Kangaroos were again under the pump this year after a poor round one loss to Essendon and an unconvincing win over the Western Bulldogs.
But that all changed with an excellent victory over a previously undefeated, and heavily favoured, Port Adelaide on Sunday.
They face a Swans outfit that also has a spring in its step following a 10-goal win over Adelaide. Lance Franklin will also make his debut at his new, redeveloped home.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Sunday April 13, 1.10pm
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for match day information
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans have an outstanding recent record against North, having won seven straight games against them. The Kangaroos' last victory came in round six, 2007.
2. The last time the teams met, in round three last year in Hobart, North led by 14 points at half-time before an 11-goal third term led the Swans to a 39-point victory.
3. Contested possessions have been an area of concern for North in 2014, who are ranked 17th with 126.7 per game. The Swans are fifth with 144.3.
4. The Swans won seven of their nine games at the SCG last year, losing to Geelong in round four and drawing with Fremantle in round eight.
5. Last year North Melbourne averaged 104 points per game. This year that has dropped to just 80. The Swans average 90 points per game in 2014.
6. The evergreen Brent Harvey is North's highest ranked player in the Official AFL Player Ratings at No.6, one place ahead of Swan Kieren Jack.
