Where and when: ANZ Stadium, Saturday September 6, 7:30pm
Head to head: Sydney Swans 74 wins, North Melbourne 71 wins, one draw

Last time: North Melbourne 8.16 (64) drew with Sydney Swans 9.10 (64), round six, 2008, at Telstra Dome

Last finals meeting: North Melbourne 19.17 (131) d Sydney Swans 13.10 (88), Grand Final, 1996, at the MCG

HISTORY

The last meeting between these teams produced the much-discussed draw that later saw an AFL investigation launched into the Swans' use of a 19th player on the field.
Both sides are sweating on the availability of important forwards with Michael O'Loughlin for the Swans and Nathan Thompson for the Roos in some doubt.

The Kangaroos look to have an edge in attack, but that is counter-balanced by the Swans renowned defensive prowess.

MEDICAL ROOM
Sydney Swans
Michael O'Loughlin (ankle) - test
Tim Schmidt (knee) - season
Kristin Thornton (knee) - season
Daniel O'Keefe (groin) - season
Brett Meredith (shoulder) - season
Nick Davis (knee) - season

North Melbourne
Leigh Harding (knee) – test
Jesse Smith (hamstring) – 2 weeks
Nathan Grima (knee) - season
Leigh Adams (knee) – season

STRENGTHS
Sydney Swans
Paul Roos' side has copped some stick for getting on in years, but the Swans will play off in their sixth finals series in succession and that experience always makes them a force to be reckoned with come September.

North Melbourne
The Roos are a very even team that has contributors across almost every line. Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells add a touch of class on the ball while Lindsay Thomas and Matt Campbell have added another dimension to a dangerous forward line that is tough to match-up on.

WEAKNESSES
Sydney Swans
With Barry Hall still trying to hit peak form and Michael O'Loughlin struggling with an ankle injury the Swans have a question mark over their ability to kick a winning score and have scored over 100 points just three times in the past nine matches. 

North Melbourne
The Roos' midfield probably doesn't have the depth of some others which is obviously a problem if an opposition side manages to keep one or two of their big guns quiet. North also conceded the most points of any top eight side over the course of the home-and-away season. 

GAMEBREAKER
Sydney Swans – Adam Goodes
The dual-Brownlow Medallist has been slowed by a groin injury, but he still has the ability to change the course of a game. Playing as a 'stay at home' forward, Goodes booted eight goals against Fremantle in round 19 and commands the attention of one of the opposition's best defenders.

North Melbourne – Brent Harvey
The silky-skilled onballer has had a stellar season that has seen him touted as one of the main Brownlow Medal fancies. He is one of the keys to the Roos' strength around the stoppages and can generally be counted on for a goal or two.

X-FACTOR
Home ground advantage could be a factor as the Kangaroos have never played on ANZ Stadium. The Swans have played there 25 times since 2002 for 16 wins at a percentage of 64 per cent.