By Jason Phelan 11:07 AM
Sun 05 July, 2009
Where and when: SCG, Sunday, July 5, 1.10pm AEST
Head to head: Sydney Swans 75 wins, North Melbourne 71 wins, one draw
Last time: Sydney Swans 17.8 (110) d North Melbourne 11.9 (75), elimination final, 2008 at ANZ Stadium
MISSING IN ACTION
Sydney Swans
Jarrad McVeigh (shoulder) - test
Craig Bolton (knee) - test
Luke Ablett (shoulder) - test
Amon Buchanan (knee) - test
Matthew Laidlaw (ankle) - 1-2 weeks
Leo Barry (knee) - 1-2 weeks
Lewis Johnston (foot) - 3-4 weeks
Daniel Currie (foot) - 6-7 weeks
Brett Meredith (forearm) - 6-7 weeks
Henry Playfair (hamstring) - indefinite
Campbell Heath (knee) -season
North Melbourne
Daniel Wells (groin) - test
Jesse Smith (hamstring/ankle) - test
Shannon Watt (illness) - test
Matt Campbell (hamstring) - 1 week
Jack Ziebell (leg) - 5-9 weeks
Ben Warren (leg) - 10 weeks
Robbie Tarrant (shoulder ) - season
Luke Delaney (shoulder) - season
FORM
Sydney Swans: WLLLL
North Melbourne: WLLLL
SUMMARY
The season appears to have slipped away for both sides in the past month with each on a four-game losing streak going into this match.
The Swans pushed Adelaide hard before fading late to go down by 16 points last week, with the Roos doing likewise against the Western Bulldogs to go down by 22.
Marty Mattner was in fine form against his old club while Barry Hall kicked four goals, but will miss through a well publicised suspension.
Liam Anthony looks a star in the making with 28 touches in his AFL debut against the Western Bulldogs last week and Brent Harvey was also prominent in his return from injury with 28 possessions.
Both sides have laboured under a heavy injury toll this season and will be sweating on the availability of key players Craig Bolton and Daniel Wells, who will both undergo fitness tests.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Michael O'Loughlin (Sydney Swans)
The veteran had a day to forget against Adelaide last Saturday, but he'll need to shake that off and get back amongst the goals if his side is to come away with the win. He'll retire at the end of the season and should have plenty of motivation to give each of his remaining matches absolutely everything he's got.
David Hale (North Melbourne)
The big forward has frustrated fans with some inconsistent efforts this year and after kicking five goals against Fremantle in round nine his form has tailed off again. Darren Crocker has indicated he's going to persist with him, but he won't want to have too many quiet days between now and the end of the season.
QUESTION MARKS
Who is going to kick the Swans' goals? Big bad Barry's absence leaves a huge hole at full-forward.
Can Brent Harvey inspire his team to a win? The prolific onballer impressed in his first game back after a long lay-off with a dislocated elbow and he'll be even better for the run.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Kangaroos played like a team that has been relieved of some pressure following the departure of Dean Laidley and pushed the top-four bound Dogs hard. While the Swans did the same to Adelaide the Roos just might have the edge here.
Brent Harvey gives an injection of class to the North midfield and it's difficult to see where the Swans goals are going to come from, but it should be a tight tussle.
PREDICTION
North Melbourne by six points
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network
WebMail
My BigPond
