Hoping to end an almost two-decade-long drought, North Melbourne will play host to Sydney at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

You have to go all the way back to 2007 to find the last time the Kangaroos overcame the Swans at Docklands.

Sydney extended that run at this venue early last season with a 117-52 victory, and the Swans were again winners when these sides met at the SCG during Round 19 of 2025.

That performance was led by Isaac Heeney’s 34 disposals for 584 metres gained, 16 contested possessions, 13 clearances, 11 score involvements, and five goals.

Heeney is right up there again in Brownlow voting this year and was influential during Sydney’s 131-114 victory over Melbourne last weekend, although it was Malcolm Rosas who stole the headlines with a career-best seven-goal haul.

The Swans have now won five straight and sit atop the AFL ladder.

Elsewhere, North Melbourne were beaten 135-86 by Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, dropping its record to 1-4 against clubs ranked 15th or higher on the ladder.

The Kangas will need Luke Davies-Uniacke to pass a fitness test before Saturday's clash after picking up hamstring tightness against the Cats, but George Wardlaw has recovered from illness and will be fit to play.

For the Swans, depth remains their greatest asset; while Tom McCartin and Taylor Adams remain sidelined, their VFL contingent is banging down the door for a senior recall.

All signs seem to be pointing to Swannies in this one.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our North Melbourne vs Sydney Swans Round 9 prediction and preview below.

North Melbourne vs Sydney Swans Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Roos were so good for so long in Geelong before completely melting down in the last term at GMHBA Stadium.

The Kangas coughed up nine goals in the last 30 minutes of footy after being in the hunt deep into the third.

Sydney were challenged early in the game against the Demons last Sunday, but the offensive weaponry is endless for the red and the white.

Malcolm Rosas kicked seven which was a sight to behold, while Joel Amartey kicked four and Logan McDonald chimed in with a few.

The Swans kicked 19 goals with only one from Charlie Curnow, Chad Warner, or Isaac Heeney.

Under the lid at Marvel, Sydney will fancy themselves again offensively; can North keep this attacking machine under 110 points?

Based on last week’s last quarter in Geelong, the answer will be an emphatic no.

Betting tip: Sydney Swans by 33 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Even with Charlie Curnow and Joel Amartey in the team, we are backing Malcolm Rosas to continue his white-hot form.

After stealing the headlines with a career-best seven goals against Melbourne, he is the man with the midas touch in the Swans' forward 50 right now.

With Curnow consistently tagged, expect Sydney to look for Rosas early to set the tone.

Betting tip: Malcolm Rosas.

Most Disposals Prediction

Isaac Heeney is the engine room of this Sydney outfit.

He has a phenomenal record against the Kangaroos, evidenced by his dominant 34 disposal performance last season, and is coming off another 33-touch masterclass.

On the fast track at Marvel, expect him to rack up massive numbers again.

Betting tip: Isaac Heeney.

Odds are subject to change.*

North Melbourne vs Sydney Swans Predicted Team Lists

North Melbourne Kangaroos Predicted Team List

FB: Luke McDonald, Toby Pink, Charlie Comben

HB: Finn O’Sullivan, Caleb Daniel, Tom Blamires

C: Dylan Stephens, Tom Powell, Jy Simpkin

HF: Paul Curtis, Cooper Trembath, George Wardlaw

FF: Cameron Zurhaar, Nick Larkey, Taylor Goad

Foll: Tristan Xerri, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel

I/C: Zane Duursma, Colby McKercher, Callum Coleman-Jones, Robert Hansen Jr, Cooper Harvey

Sydney Swans Predicted Team List

FB: Lewis Melican, Dane Rampe, Sam Wicks

HB: Callum Mills (c), Nick Blakey, Harry Cunningham

C: Justin McInerney, Isaac Heeney, Robbie Bice

HF: Malcolm Rosas, James Rowbottom, Tom Papley

FF: Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald, Hayden McLean

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Chad Warner, James Jordon

I/C: Matt Roberts, Justin Serong, Jake Lloyd, Caiden Cleary, Corey Warner

North Melbourne vs Sydney Swans Match Details

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026

First Bounce: 1:15pm AEST

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports