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North Melbourne and Sydney Swans will both be looking for a win at Blundstone Arena this afternoon. Join our live blog with scores and commentary from 1.45pm AEST.
The Kangaroos will desperately be looking for a win to kick-start their season after losing close games to premiership contenders Collingwood and Geelong in the first two rounds.
It won’t get any easier this week though, with the undefeated Swans looking to continue their dominant streak against North.
Sydney hasn’t lost to the Kangaroos since 2007 and had a comfortable 36-point win in their only encounter last season.
But despite their respective win-loss records, North Melbourne will be confident because of their high standard of play this season.
Their first round loss to Collingwood was only by 16 points after the Kangaroos were outscored by 19 points in the third quarter.
Against Geelong North Melbourne took a 35-point lead in to halftime before the Cats kicked seven goals against them in the third term.
North will certainly have to be stronger in the ‘premiership quarter’ if they are to capitalise on the strong starts they’ve had this year.
Meanwhile, this will be the first real test for Sydney. While the Swans have been forced to lift during matches against GWS and Gold Coast, North Melbourne will pose a much more difficult challenge.
The two expansion teams have played solid football this year but the Kangaroos know this game is important if they plan on figuring in finals again this year.
Lindsay Thomas looks to be the danger man for North. Having kicked 9.2 this year he’s the early leader in the Coleman Medal and has been dangerous at the feet of North’s tall forward line.
Nick Smith has previously been underrated but showed his ability against Cyril Rioli in the grand final and John Longmire will look to him to stop Thomas.
For Sydney Kieren Jack has been in good early season form. With Jack, Josh Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh, Dan Hannebery, Adam Goodes and Ryan O’Keefe running through the Swans’ midfield it will be interesting to see if North Melbourne choose to tag anyone.
They were burnt by Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury after the pair was left to run largely by themselves in round one so Brad Scott may be unwilling to continue this tactic.
Rhyce Shaw looks to be in doubt with an abdominal strain. His run from the backline is crucial for Sydney’s counterattacking style.
Shane Mumford copped a knock to the knee against Gold Coast but should be fit for Saturday’s match.
Can North Melbourne find their first four points of the season, or will the Swans return to the Harbour City 3-0? Find out from 1.45pm AEST and if you’re following along, leave us your thoughts in the space below.
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