On a day when one Blakey was part of the 30-year premiership reunion celebrations in the stands at Marvel Stadium, another terrorised North Melbourne through the corridor with his game-breaking run to help Sydney get the job done.

North Melbourne's famous 1996 team, including John Blakey, have spent the weekend reminiscing about that famous Saturday in September at the MCG, where Denis Pagan's men smashed the Swans by 43 points.

KANGAROOS v SWANS Full match coverage and stats

Sydney has played much better games in 2026 so far, but they lifted when required after half-time to win by eight points, a sixth straight victory – and reclaim top spot from Fremantle – after holding off a Kangaroos side that kept coming until the final siren.

Nick Blakey has also played better games this year – he is the No.1 rated half-back in 2026 for a reason – but his transition game was crucial to securing the 16.9 (105) to 14.13 (97) win on the road.

The game was still alive in the final 60 seconds when Cam Zurhaar had a shot on the run that just missed, but the Swans held on having held them off for much of the 120 minutes.

The Kangaroos showed their growing maturity in defeat, controlling the centre corridor and matching Sydney's firepower for much of the contest.

Luke Davies-Uniacke (34 disposals, six clearances) led the way, well supported by Harry Sheezel (31 disposals, seven tackles) and former Swan Luke Parker (29 disposals, 10 marks).

With a glittering collection of North Melbourne royalty in the building, Alastair Clarkson's side gave them something to barrack for all day. But the Kangaroos didn't make the most of their chances in front of goal, despite winning the inside-50 count 67-51.

Of the current crop, George Wardlaw looks like he has been plucked from the era that produced the likes of Glenn Archer and Anthony Stevens and plonked into a modern game that now includes the ARC, the lasso rule and representative football again.

Wardlaw's signature ferocious pressure set the tone from the start, even if he was criminally denied two holding the ball calls that enraged the home supporters.

Davies-Uniacke's clever inside-out chip set up Darling for the Roos' opener, and he provided Darling's second with a raking pass to the forward pocket.

The home side's lead stretched to 19 points at one stage in the first quarter, but Clarkson would have been disappointed at quarter-time after two late Swans goals cut the deficit to seven points. 

Warning signs flashed as Sydney kicked the first three goals of the second quarter, but the Roos showed resilience to get back on top. 

It wasn't until Charlie Spargo swooped on a ball inside 50 that North Melbourne finally had another major, and it was the two former Swans – Parker and Dylan Stephens – that were key in the Roos remaining in the contest.

Young guns Colby McKercher and Finn O'Sullivan provided the dash and veteran Parker the steel as the Kangaroos hit the lead before half-time through former skipper Jy Simpkin.

They hung in in the third, first via Tom Blamires, then courtesy of a clever Zane Duursma goal on the run.

But the Swans kept responding. Give them the corridor at your own peril. Dean Cox's men have cut sides apart on the overlap run and it was telling in the third quarter.

Adam Simpson, Anthony Stevens, Wayne Schwass and co became greats on the back of September football. North haven't played a final since 2016, but when they do eventually return, Wardlaw, Harry Sheezel, Finn O'Sullivan, Colby McKercher and Davies-Uniacke are building an imposing midfield mix.

What a difference George makes

George Wardlaw missed the trip down the highway last weekend due to illness, but instantly injected an added spark into North Melbourne's midfield on Saturday. No one chases like this guy. On a day where North celebrated so many greats, Wardlaw has the tools to be one down the track, he just needs some luck with his body after a run of injuries.

Next Up

The Kangaroos return to Adelaide for the second time this season to face the Crows at Adelaide Oval next Saturday. The match is at 1.15pm AEST (12.45pm local time). 

NORTH MELBOURNE   6.2   8.8   12.9   14.13 (97)
SYDNEY                         5.1   9.1   15.4   16.9 (105)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Darling 2, Duursma 2, O'Sullivan 2, Blamires, Curtis, Konstanty, Sheezel, Simpkin, Spargo, Xerri, Zurhaar
Sydney: Heeney 3, McDonald 3, McLean 3, Papley 2, Amartey, Cootee, Lloyd, Sheldrick, Warner