<p>The Swans are officially back in the finals race.&nbsp;</p> <p>Even if it's still a long shot at this stage, for the sake of the season, we’re supporting them to stay alive as long as possible to keep the last six weeks interesting.&nbsp;</p> <p>They still need to win every game and have everything go right from here, but they’re doing all they can to keep their late push alive.</p> <p>They survived the Saints' scare last week at Marvel and had other results go their way. They’ve now won four of their past five matches and have three more against bottom-10 teams in the run home.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Their poor percentage means they might not catch the Bulldogs (although this week offers a chance to boost some much-needed percentage), and they probably remain three wins behind the top eight. But, they host North Melbourne this week at the SCG, which opens up many possibilities for the Swans.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Roos are coming off a disappointing loss to the Demons at the MCG, blowing another chance to show their supporters and the AFL world that they are indeed making progress.&nbsp;</p> <p>A win last week would have moved the Roos out of the bottom four for the first time in five seasons. Instead, the loss will likely keep them there for the rest of the season. And, they don’t have their first draft pick this year… eeeek.&nbsp;</p> <p>But, they’ll need to lick their wounds and bounce back, heading up to Sydney as they continue to grow and frustrate.&nbsp;</p> <p>On a team selection front, the Swans say defender Tom McCartin has ‘recovered well’ from his recent head knock, but given his concussion history, they might take a conservative approach and give him an extra week. However, they should get Dane Rampe back this week.&nbsp;</p> <p>Utility Robbie Fox hasn’t played since last year's Grand Final and is listed as a test for return this weekend. But with the team on a roll, and with the unlikely pursuit, there won’t be many unnecessary changes to the side that Dean Cox will be fielding.&nbsp;</p> <p>There will definitely be some changes at the Roos’ selection table, though. Ruckman Tristan Xerri was unable to beat his rough-conduct charge at the Tribunal and will miss the next three games, opening the door for Callum Coleman-Jones to come in and have three weeks to prove he belongs at AFL level next year and beyond.&nbsp;</p> <p>The starting trio—Nick Larkey, George Wardlaw, and Luke Davies-Uniacke—are all expected to be available after concussion and knee issues kept them out of last week's game against the Dees, which will be a big boost for the traveling Roos.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Swans vs Roos prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney vs North Melbourne Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Sydney Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Sam Wicks, Lewis Melican, Nick Blakey</p> <p>HB: Callum Mills, Dane Rampe, Jake Lloyd</p> <p>C: Errol Gulden, Isaac Heeney, Harry Cunningham</p> <p>HF: Braeden Campbell, Jack Buller, Justin McInerney</p> <p>F: Will Hayward, Hayden McLean, Angus Sheldrick</p> <p>Foll: Brodie Grundy, Chad Warner, James Rowbottom</p> <p>Int: Joel Hamling, Matt Roberts, Riley Bice, Aaron Francis, James Jordon</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>North Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Will Dawson, Toby Pink, Riley Hardeman</p> <p>HB: Caleb Daniel, Griffin Logue, Finn O’Sullivan</p> <p>C: Dylan Stephens, Luke Parker, Jy Simpkin</p> <p>HF: Harry Sheezel, Jack Darling, Colby McKercher</p> <p>F: Jacob Konstanty, Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis</p> <p>Foll: Callum Coleman-Jones, Luke Davies Uniacke, George Wardlaw</p> <p>Int: Charlie Comben, Tom Powell, Robert Hansen jr, Cooper Harvey, Bailey Scott</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney vs North Melbourne Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Swans have dominated North Melbourne in recent times, winning nine of the past 10 head-to-head clashes.&nbsp;</p> <p>The one win for North, though, was at the SCG… all the way back in 2018 when Brad Scott was still coaching at Arden St.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Swans' jump has seen their overall profile rise to 12th, but in the last month, when they have made their move, they sit seventh.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ruckman Brodie Grundy has turned back the clock to his best form and is mounting a late charge to be included in the All-Australian squad. With Xerri missing, there’s another big opportunity for him to dominate.&nbsp;</p> <p>And then there is the Swans’ big midfield three in Heeney, Warner, and Gulden, who, all back together, are causing maximum damage and driving the Swans forward.&nbsp;</p> <p>It will be a good test for the Roos midfielders, who got bashed up at the contest last week against the Dees, to go up against one of the meat midfield trios in the game. How long can they hold their own for?</p> <p>We’re backing the Swans here. We will for the rest of the year because the minute they lose, there’s no room for late-season excitement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-north-melbourne-9386463">Swans</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>It’s been an up-and-down season for Swans big man Hayden McLean. A season thats even seen him lose his senior spot and go back to the VFL on two occasions.&nbsp;</p> <p>Coming up against a constantly under-fire Roos defence, here presents a big chance for McLean to have a big day. We’re backing him for the first goal here.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-north-melbourne-9386463">Hayden McLean</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Roos superstar Harry Sheezel has made a habit of collecting the football for fun against everyone in his short career thus far. After accusations of him getting “Sheezy ball” earlier in the season, he's left a lasting impression on games in the last month.&nbsp;</p> <p>Averaging 29.3 touches in his three games against the Swans in his career to date, we’re penciling him in for another big one.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-north-melbourne-9386463">Harry Sheezel 30+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, July 19, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 4:15pm AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> SCG, Sydney</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p>