SYDNEY SWANS midfielder Luke Ablett says returning duo Adam Goodes and Ryan O'Keefe will give the home side a huge edge heading in Saturday night's second elimination final against North Melbourne at ANZ Stadium.

“They are both massively important players who can play on the ball or up forward,” Ablett said on Monday.

“They add flexibility and run to the side and are quality players.”

Ablett said the Swans would glean some confidence from their big win against Brisbane on the weekend but would need to step it up a notch again this week.

“It was great to return to the winner’s list but we have a few areas we can improve upon,” Ablett said.

“Things certainly came together for us but we are not kidding ourselves that we are in amazing form.

“I think it was the first time we had won contested footy in about seven or eight weeks.”

Saturday night's Homebush clash will be the first time the teams have met in a final for more than a decade.

On the last occasion it was the Roos who triumphed, taking the 1996 grand final comfortably.

Ablett said he expected North to come out firing after their disappointing loss to Port Adelaide in round 22.

“North Melbourne will be pretty disappointed with their effort and will be keen to bounce back against us,” Ablett said.

“We have had some good tussles in the past with the last match being a draw (round six).

“They are a good side who play defensive footy well and also a very competent running side so it should be a good match.”

The sides have been evenly matched in recent seasons – the past five matches have resulted in two wins apiece plus the draw earlier this season.

Ablett said the home final would be a bonus for the Swans. “It is great to play in Sydney as your preparation doesn’t get interrupted and you get the home crowd behind you,” he said. “We are really looking forward to playing in front of our fans.”

The 2005 premiership player, who was also a member in the 2006 grand final side, missed last year’s finals loss to Collingwood due to a knee injury.

“It is great to be in the finals and I am really looking forward to this week,” Ablett said.

“I had a medial ligament strain in my knee last year and it was disappointing looking on from the sidelines.”