Roar Guru
The Sydney Swans return to the SCG on Sunday afternoon to face a spirited North Melbourne side who will be confident of causing an upset. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:10pm (AEST).
The Kangaroos were under the pump following a disappointing Round 1 loss to Essendon, and an unconvincing win against the Western Bulldogs in Round 2.
Doubters were quickly put in their pace following a spirit last quarter fight back against Port Adelaide, who in recent times have been close to impossible to outscore in last quarters.
They could be boosted by the return of Jack Ziebell if he is declared fit, Scott McMahon, Liam Anthony and Michael Firrito will also be considered for selection, although it is highly unlikely that many changes will be made due to the win from last week’s game.
Sydney on the other hand will be happy that they were finally able to get a win on the board following mounting pressure after their first two games.
Franklin, Parker and Kennedy were all brilliant in the Swans’ win over the Crows last week and will need to play a big game again if the Swans are going to win.
Craig Bird was one who didn’t play against Adelaide last week, and could be the only change made to the side which disposed of the Crows.
X-Factor
Brent Harvey: You wouldn’t know by the way he’s playing, but the pocket rocket turns 36 next month. He is another player who has shown unbelievable durability during his AFL career and in the past two weeks has sparked the Kangaroos’ victories.
Three Quick Facts:
1. North Melbourne have lost their last seven games against the Sydney Swans.
2. 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.
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.
Last 5 Times:
Round 3, 2013: Sydney Swans 20.11 (131) defeated North Melbourne 13.14 (92) at Blundstone Arena.
Round 4, 2012: Sydney Swans 17.11 (113) defeated North Melbourne 10.17 (77) at the SCG.
Round 10, 2011: Sydney Swans 10.12 (72) defeated North Melbourne 9.17 (71) at Etihad Stadium.
Round 15, 2010: Sydney Swans 12.13 (85) defeated North Melbourne 7.13 (55) at the SCG.
Round 4, 2010: Sydney Swans 14.16 (100) defeated North Melbourne 8.12 (60) at Etihad Stadium.
Prediction:
Based on their good record against the Kangaroos and their amazing home record at the SCG – last year they lost just one game of the 9 they played there – I’m going to pick the Swans in a tough contested encounter.
Swans by 14.