Sydney and North Melbourne face off at the SCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Swans took care of Essendon 112-76 last Sunday to cement a second-placed finish, which is the sort of week most clubs would happily bank heading into September.

However, Sydney Swans have taken the decision to scratch five players for the rest of the season for serious allegations of misconduct which remain under investigation. Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon will not play a part in the Swans’ 2026 finals campaign.

Meanwhile, the Kangaroos arrive off a 125-110 loss to Geelong last Saturday. Captain Nick Larkey rediscovered his goal-kicking form with five majors, while Harry Sheezel left the match early with a nasty cheekbone injury and will miss Sunday's clash.

There is a genuine milestone attached to this one for North. A win this weekend would see the Kangaroos double their victory tally from last season, which is exactly the sort of marker a rebuilding club wants to plant before the off-season.

History from earlier in the year sits with the hosts, with Sydney winning 105-97 when these sides met in Round 9.

Despite their outs, Sydney has the depth to compete; welcoming Malcolm Rosas, Corey Warner, Caiden Cleary, Harry Cunningham, Tom Hanily, Angus Sheldrick and James Rowbottom back to the side.

 North bring in Bailey Scott, Luke McDonald and Josh Goater, with Oliver Griffin set to play his first senior game.

North Melbourne have been admirable in 2026 and will be keen to prove how far they’ve come before heading off on a well-earned break, we’re thinking there may be an ambush on the cards here.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Round 24 prediction and preview below.

Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Swans handled their business inside 30 minutes last week before, frankly, playing some poor footy for the next hour or so.

There were some video game numbers posted along the way. Errol Gulden had 47 touches, Isaac Heeney had 29 and kicked three, Chad Warner had 23 and three, and Brodie Grundy managed 25 disposals, 12 score involvements, nine clearances and 101 Fantasy points for the Fantasy footy geeks.

Three of those four names are unavailable on Sunday, and that is not a gap you paper over in a week.

The Kangas began almost as well as the Swans did last week before falling hard in the second quarter against Geelong. From 44-6 at quarter time to a seven-point deficit inside 30 minutes of footy. What a fall.

Being there, you could sense Geelong's momentum going into half-time and the Roos' angst at coughing up a monster lead.

The flip side is that North showed they can bury a side early and Larkey's five majors suggest the most direct route to doing it again is well and truly open.

We’re backing the visitors all the way in this one.

Head-to-head prediction: North Melbourne to win by 14 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Nick Larkey is named at full forward and arrives in the sort of touch that makes this market simple.

The North captain booted five against Geelong last Saturday and his side's early blitz in that match came from going long and going straight to him.

Larkey is our tip to open the scoring on Sunday arvo.

Betting tip: Nick Larkey first goal scorer.

Most Disposals Prediction

Errol Gulden managed to rack up a ridiculous 47 disposals against Essendon last Sunday. This time around, with more distribution duties falling on his shoulders, Gulden should have the opportunity to reach similar areas. 

We reckon that win, lose or draw he’ll have a huge impact on the match.

Don't overthink this one.

Betting tip: Errol Gulden most disposals.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Errol Gulden 32+ disposals, North Melbourne to win 1-39, Nick Larkey 3+ goals, LDU anytime goal scorer.

Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Team Lists

Sydney Swans Team List

FB: Callum Mills, Tom McCartin, Dane Rampe

HB: Sam Wicks, Harry Kyle, Joel Hamling

C: Matt Roberts, Errol Gulden, Jai Serong

HF: Jake Lloyd, Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell

FF: Tom Papley, Charlie Curnow, Billy Cootee

FOLL: Brodie Grundy, James Rowbottom, Angus Sheldrick

I/C: Tom Hanily, Harry Cunningham, William Green, Caiden Cleary, Jesse Dattoli, Patrick Snell, Corey Warner, Malcolm Rosas

North Melbourne Team List

FB: Luke Parker, Charlie Comben, Aidan Corr

HB: Colby McKercher, Caleb Daniel, Riley Hardeman

C: Dylan Stephens, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Finn O'Sullivan

HF: Zac Banch, Cooper Trembath, Charlie Spargo

FF: Paul Curtis, Nick Larkey, Cameron Zurhaar

FOLL: Tristan Xerri, George Wardlaw, Jy Simpkin

I/C: Bailey Scott, Luke McDonald, Wil Dawson, Griffin Logue, Jack Darling, Josh Goater, Tom Blamires, Oliver Griffin

Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Match Details

Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026.

First Bounce: 3:20pm AEST

Location: SCG, Sydney

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports

Odds are subject to change. *