North Melbourne will be aiming to snap a three-game losing streak when it travels north to face Sydney at the SCG on Saturday.

The sides last met at Marvel Stadium in Round 4, when the Roos struggled to cope with the Swans' polish, losing by 65 points.

Round 19, Sydney v North Melbourne
Where: SCG, Sydney, NSW
When: Saturday, July 19 at 4.15pm AEST 
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

Four wins in their last five games have lifted the Swans to 10th on the AFL ladder, and with 12 points separating them from eighth-placed Fremantle, they will be desperate not to drop another game.

Star mid Errol Gulden kicked the match-winner last weekend as they came from behind to beat St Kilda.

His goal was set up by a brilliant tap from veteran ruck Brodie Grundy, who is in All-Australian form for the first time in years. That poses a problem for Roos coach Alastair Clarkson, who will be without suspended star ruck Tristan Xerri this week.

Swans coach Dean Cox may be missing defender Tom McCartin if the club takes a conservative approach to managing his latest concussion, but he is expected to regain veteran Dane Rampe. 

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Thursday: "It's a big challenge to come up against Grundy, so that's going to be a significant part of the game. It's another good opportunity for us to pit ourselves against a side that we've got enormous respect for. They're a really, really competitive side in terms of the way that they move the footy and their strength around the contest."

Last time we met

A dominant second half secured a 65-point win for Sydney at Marvel Stadium in Round 4, as the Roos struggled to cope with the visitors' fast ball movement.

Will Hayward was the star for the Swans, wreaking havoc on North Melbourne's defensive line thanks to his dangerous combination of skill both in the air and on the deck. His two first-quarter goals set the tone and he finished with four for the night to go with 15 disposals.

Harry Sheezel was prolific for the home side, covering the ground beautifully and competing hard with Sydney's midfield to finish with 34 disposals and nine marks. He was well-supported by Luke Davies-Uniacke (25 disposals, four clearances).