WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Sunday, April 22, 3.15pm
LAST TIME: Sydney Swans 10.12 (72) d North Melbourne 9.17 (71), round 10, 2011 at Etihad Stadium
TV and RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
MATCH SUMMARY
This contest looms as a terrific battle between two in-form sides. The Swans remained undefeated with a spirited 22-point victory on the road against Port Adelaide last weekend. North Melbourne was even more impressive, keeping premier Geelong at bay by 17 points. Fierce rivals who have had some intense battles in recent years, including the Swans' one-point victory in their last clash last season and a draw at Etihad Stadium in 2008, expect another tough tussle this time around.
THE FOUR POINTS
Sydney Swans
1. Can the Swans maintain their strong start to the season? Coach John Longmire's outfit has shown excellent consistency over the opening three rounds and enjoyed an even contribution from a fairly settled list. The Swans will need it again to overcome the Kangaroos and continue their unbeaten run.
2. Who will prevail in the battle of the midfields? Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker put together their best collective game of football against Port, while the likes of Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac and Daniel Wells were just as damaging for North. As always, it will be a key duel.
3. The ruck should be another intriguing and vital area between these two teams. Shane Mumford returned from a week out with a back injury and played well against Port, with support from Jesse White in his first game for the year. But they will have their hands full against Roo duo Todd Goldstein and Hamish McIntosh, who are working beautifully.
4. Can Lewis Jetta and Craig Bird continue their goalkicking ways? Jetta has shown marked improvement in 2012, adding tackling pressure to his outstanding burst of speed. And it has resulted in a team-leading eight goals from three games. Bird also popped up with two goals in rounds one and three. Finding multiple avenues to goal - a problem throughout last season - remains a key for the Swans.
North Melbourne
1. Can the Kangaroos back up their breakthrough win against Geelong? Before Sunday, North had not beaten a top-four team for more than two seasons, but coach Brad Scott has said the Cats win will count for little if his team can't reproduce that sort of form on a regular basis. And they will need to be at their best to beat the Swans at the SCG.
2. North has not beaten the Swans since round six, 2007 (when it won by 16 points at Etihad Stadium) and has not beaten them at the SCG since Glenn Archer's 250th game, in round 19, 2004. But the Kangaroos' overall record against the Swans at the SCG is good; since 1982, they have won 14 of the teams' 25 encounters there.
3. The midfield battle is often decisive on the relatively short confines of the SCG. So, expect North to pay particular attention to curbing Josh Kennedy's influence. The Swans midfielder has been best on ground in each of the first three rounds and is now one of the best inside ball-winners in the competition.
4. Over the past two seasons, North has sometimes struggled to match opponents' run and spread. But it was outstanding in this area against the Cats, outstripping the Cats in handball receives (172 to 112), uncontested possessions (252 to 203) and defensive pressure. Similar running dominance against the Swans should result in a win.
