North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Sydney Swans: AFL live scores, blog

The North Melbourne Kangaroos look to defend their impressive record at Blundstone Arena when they line-up against an improving Sydney Swans on Saturday. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:25pm (AEST).

In their last meeting, the Swans clinched a six-point victory at Etihad Stadium. Majak Daw brokeout for North, kicking four goals against direct opponent, Aliir Aliir, who himself starred with 23 disposals, 10 marks and the game-winning goal.

In their meeting prior, the Kangaroos earned a two-point victory in Round 7 at the SCG. Mason Wood earned his stripes with a four-goal performance and game-saving goal, while Josh Kennedy had yet another BOG performance for the Swans.

On Sunday, North Melbourne were handed a 24-point loss by Geelong at Marvel Stadium. Spectators were treated to an entertaining match-up with Ben Brown versus Mark Blicavs – North’s favourite son kicking five, nudging him to second in the Coleman race.

Brown has kicked nine goals in the past two games, as well as five apiece in his first two Blundstone appearances in 2018. The key forward should threaten again in his home-state with both form and history leaning greatly in his favour.

North’s Tasmanian fortress continues to threaten opposition with the Kangaroos, boasting a 14 from 18 record since its conception in 2012.

North also went three from three in 2018, earning big-margin victories, including a late-fixture win against the eventual premiers. The 2018 run inspired the addition of a fourth game which North hope to bank off this season.

The last time North played in Hobart, Ben Cunnington output a career-high 39 disposals, 22 contested possessions and 147 AFL Fantasy Points.

The 27-year-old sits second in the league for contested possession (17.8 average) and clearances (8.1), conceding both to Patrick Cripps who Cunnington may have bested in their Round 7 match-up.

Number 8 pick, Tarryn Thomas, will also line up for his first game back in his home-state since being drafted in 2018.

Last Friday, Sydney secured their first win at the SCG this season against Essendon. The Swans’ five-point victory helped secure their formidable record against the Dons, despite nearly having it snatched after the Dane Rampe goal-post controversy.

Luke Parker (33 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and four inside 50s) and Josh Kennedy (24 disposals, 10 tackles and three inside 50s) impressed on ball for the Swans, while first-year, Nick Blakey, continued to prove he was worth his number 10 pick.

Swans fans should look to Kennedy to continue his impressive match-up on Cunnington, having gotten the best of his opponent in recent meetings. While the Swans skipper is averaging more of the footy (28.6 disposals) than he has in recent years, his contested ball work has dipped slightly (13.4).

Though it seems the Swans’ top-eight chances are slim, they defied the odds in 2017 where they also had two wins come Round 9. Sydney made a semi-final that year and mounted one of the most impressive season revamps ever seen.

However, the Swans continue to be without spearhead, Lance Franklin (hamstring), with North returning Scott Thompson, Luke McDonald and Marley Williams to their backline.

James Rowbottom will also replace Kieren Jack (injured) for the Swans.

Prediction
If not for their seasons, this game should at least be for pride. While it looks like it could unravel similarly to the Swans’ contest against Essendon last week, I believe North will hold tight to their home record.

North Melbourne by 25 points.

Where: Blundstone Arena
When: 7:25pm AEST
TV: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, AFL app
Betting: North Melbourne $1.54, Sydney $2.50

North Melbourne Kangaroos
B: Jamie Macmillan, Robbie Tarrant, Marley Williams
HB: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Jasper Pittard
C: Trent Dumont, Ben Cunnington, Jared Polec
HF: Tarryn Thomas, Nick Larkey, Taylor Garner
F: Cam Zurhaar, Ben Brown, Jack Ziebell
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Shaun Higgins, Jed Anderson
I/C: Luke McDonald, Jy Simpkin, Kane Turner, Mason Wood

Sydney Swans
B: Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican, Callum Mills
HB: Jackson Thurlow, Aliir Aliir, Jake Lloyd
C: Isaac Heeney, Josh Kennedy, Jordan Dawson
HF: Robbie Fox, Sam Reid, Oliver Florent
F: Nick Blakey, Tom McCartin, Luke Parker
Foll: Callum Sinclair, Zak Jones, Tom Papley
I/C: George Hewett, James Rowbottom, Colin O’Riordan, Will Hayward