Few people expected Sydney to play so well in WA last week without Franklin, Parker, Jack and Reid (after quarter time) and yet they are once again being written off this week. Sydney will remember their 71 point flogging of North at ANZ stadium in last year’s Preliminary final and will draw confidence from their narrow loss last week. They might not be done yet!
The Kangaroos will also remember last year’s Preliminary final loss and wish to atone tonight. They are well rested and claim to be a superior side to the 2014 version and will accept nothing but victory andback-to-back Preliminary finals.
Expect a tougher contest than you saw last night!
Last time
Sydney 14.7 (91) defeated North Melbourne 10.15 (75) at Etihad Stadium in Round 11.
The Swans over-powered the Darren Crocker-led Kangaroos early in the game, jumping out to 5 goal half-time lead. North Melbourne then charged home, closing to 6 points in the final quarter, but inaccurate kicking by Waite and Higgins eventually cost them the game with the Roos kicking 2.4 to 2.0 straight in the fourth quarter. Buddy kicked 4 goals and Parker had 33 touches.
The Record
Sydney 5-1: Sydney have dominated the Kangaroos in recent times, including a 71 point hiding at ANZ stadium in the Prelim final last year
At Selection
Sydney were forced to replace the injured Sam Reid with Nick Smith.
North Melbourne have made no changes.
The Verdict
Even missing four stars, never write off a champion team. If not for their poor execution, Sydney would have won last week and will be fired up to prove they are still a force.
The Kangaroos are in superb form and should have won by more last week, yet the Swans are no Richmond. If North can play their best football for four quarters they are a big chance but Sydney haven’t lost a final at ANZ for years and will make the Kangaroos earn their victory.
This match may go to the team that kicks the straightest!
Thommo’s tip: Swans by 6 points
Leave a comment / Scroll to bottom
Good write up Thommo!
This game could go either way and expect a good close game that will go down to the wire. I am with Thommo and think the Swans will get up but think if North can get up have the best chance to prevail over West Coast having a good record in the West and a fit list.
Turner in and Nahas out
Thomas the sub
Travelled up for the game. Beautiful weather up here. Pitch report to come.
The ground looks magnificent
Is anyone else finding the umpires a bit whistle happy?
Little men that have mostly not played the game and just don’t get that you let the game flow rather than try to over umpire it.
North looking good RB with Sydney having no forward line and Hanners being totally blanketed by the ever impressive old style tagger Jacobs.
Interesting fact North Melbourne the 1st team to make a Prelim from 8th spot.
When does supercoach start for 2016?
Yeaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!