<p>North Melbourne were gallant last week despite their loss to the Crows. The Swans are coming off the bye after they got saved by the bell after they snatched a victory against the Dockers to get their season off and running.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Roos have shown enough signs this year that their impressive win over the Dees a couple of weeks ago won’t be a once off this season and will enjoy returning to their home deck under the roof to tackle the Swans. A side they have only beaten once since 2015.</p> <p>The Swans need to win to stay in touch with the early pace setters this season and risk falling behind even further, which would be a major setback for last year's runners-up.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Sydney Swans Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>North Melbourne</h3> <p>B: Luke McDonald, Aidan Corr, Charlie Comben</p> <p>HB: Colby McKercher, Griffin Logue, Caleb Daniel</p> <p>C: Bailey Scott, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Finn O’Sullivan</p> <p>HF: Jy Simpkin, Nick Larkey, Harry Sheezel</p> <p>F: Cam Zurhaar, Jack Darling, Paul Curtis</p> <p>Foll: Tristan Xerri, Tom Powell, Luke Parker</p> <p>Int: Darcy Tucker, Will Phillips,Robert Hansen jr, Jacob Konstanty, Dylan Stephens</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Sydney</h3> <p>B: Joel Hamling, Dane Rampe, Nick Blakey</p> <p>HB: Ollie Florent, Matt Roberts, Sam Wicks</p> <p>C: Braeden Campbell, Isaac Heeney, Jake Lloyd</p> <p>HF: Hayden McLean, Will Hayward, Tom Hanily</p> <p>F: Corey Warner, Tom McCartin, Joel Amartey</p> <p>Foll: Brodie Grundy, Chad Warner, James Jordon</p> <p>Int: Angus Sheldrick, Riley Bice, James Rowbottom, Peter Ladhams, Ben Paton</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Sydney SwansPrediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>With both sides sitting at 1-2, it might be tempting to look past the odds this week.</p> <p>North has definitely improved on last year. Their connection and run and carry off half-back has been a feature, largely due to the impact of Caleb Daniel and his experience, matched with the class of youngster Colby McKercher.&nbsp;</p> <p>They will be hoping that ruckman Tristian Xerri can shake off a hamstring concern from last week. He managed to play out the game against the Crows and was cleared of injury but will continue to be monitored ahead of a battle with Brodie Grundy and likely, Peter Ladhams too.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Swans will be another interesting storyline in this match is Luke Parker coming up against his old side for the first time. One of the favourite sons of the Swans now wears the royal blue and white stripes. He will be looking to prove a point against his old side who phased him out of their plans.</p> <p>I desperately want to tip North here, but I think the Swans just have a bit more in them. I do back the Roos to cover the line though.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-sydney-swans-9063250">Swans</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>The Roos are still building their firepower in the front half. But what they do have amongst their ranks is one of the most accurate kicks in the competition. Nick Larkey is statistically one of the most accurate set-shots in VFL/AFL history, boasting a 249 goal/ 87 behind record to this point in his career.</p> <p>Currently leading the Coleman Medal, Larkey is the go-to guy in the Roos forward line. If they win the first clearance of the game, they will look for him and he’s more than likely to slot it.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-sydney-swans-9063250">Nick Larkey</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>New recruit Caleb Daniel has settled back into AFL football seamlessly now that he has been allowed to play in his preferred position. Back on his familiar half-back flank, Daniel - one of the best kickers in the competition, has been at his best so far this season and is the Roos leading overall disposal winner across the opening three games.&nbsp;</p> <p>Expect him to see plenty of the ball as the Roos exit defensive 50 with his pin-point kicks setting up the play.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-sydney-swans-9063250">Caleb Daniel (30+ disposals)</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Sydney Swans Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday April 5, 2025.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>7:35pm, AEDT</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Marvel Stadium, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch: &nbsp;</strong>Fox Footy/ Kayo</p>