We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.
NORTH MELBOURNE v SYDNEY
Saturday 20 May @ Marvel Stadium
Everything about game was stood on its head after the big announcement yesterday. It had shaped as a clash of old coaching rivals Clarkson and Longmire as they tried to avoid more disappointment. It won't happen now.
North Melbourne has been really struggling against the best sides and then a little closer when the grade drops. That is not unexpected.
Sydney has been poor at times of matches costing them the final result losing three at home that they really should not have.
So what does that mean come Saturday when they run out at the Docklands?
For some time the Kangas were competitive against Port but the class difference took hold and the result became apparent.
Davies-Uniacke was again good but they need Larkey and Zurhaar to kick 10 between them to go close. It would have been more likely this weekend against a weakened backline but Zurhaar is out and LDU is too.
As for Sydney, coming off a Grand Final, things are almost a write off. Those aforementioned injuries have taken hold while other factors around the ground haven't hit any heights. A vanilla-type year was tipped by some and it has proven thus.
Fremantle got a nice run of goals after half time and even a couple of late surges were not enough. Errol Gulden was superb but once more injuries occurred to Mills, McDonald, Hickey etc, it was curtains.
To say Sydney has owned this match up for a long time is an understatement. Since 2008, the Kangaroos have won 3 times – 3 of 22. However there were many close ones in that.
While the Swans have a very decent record at Marvel Stadium, this is a very even match and big North forwards may lick their lips if the backline they face is still short staffed.
For that reason, there is an upset in the wind and North Melbourne can win. The start is highly appealing.
Match Selection: Sydney by 12 points
Suggested Bets: North Melbourne +37.5 @ $1.90
