Where and when: Blundstone Arena, Saturday, May 18, 7.25pm AEST

Last time they met: Marvel Stadium, round 17, 2018: Sydney 16.8 (104) defeated North Melbourne 15.8 (98)

Aliir Aliir pounced on the loose ball and ran into an open goal inside the last two minutes to ensure the Swans exacted revenge from similar circumstances earlier in the season. Sydney kicked six majors to North's three in the final term to overcome an 11-point deficit.

What it means for North Melbourne: Another chance to add credibility. The Roos crushed Carlton and challenged Geelong in the last fortnight, so will fancy their chances of knocking off Sydney – and will have expectations of doing that.

What it means for Sydney: The Swans won a thriller against Essendon last week to put some of the external doom and gloom behind them. Beat North Melbourne and the perception of their rebuild will be decidedly rosier.

How North Melbourne wins: Dominating contested ball. That seems obvious for any side, but Sydney has the worst contested possession differential in the competition in 2019, so there is a real opportunity for the Roos.

How Sydney wins: North's been vulnerable down back this season because of injuries and the pending return of superstar Lance Franklin might be ideal timing. However, much depends on supply, with the Swans also ranked last for inside-50 differential.