Roos undefeated against AFL contenders

Of the remaining four sides fighting for the AFL premiership, only one stands unscathed by the other contenders this year.

North Melbourne are undefeated in three games against Sydney, Hawthorn and Port Adelaide in 2014.

Port have beaten Hawthorn, the Hawks have downed Sydney, and the Swans have seen off Port and Hawthorn – but none of them have got the better of North Melbourne.

North Melbourne are also the only top-eight side Sydney hasn’t beaten this year.

But Swans veteran Adam Goodes, who will play his 350th game in Friday night’s preliminary final, says his team’s 43-point loss against the Kangaroos in round four won’t be on their minds.

“You’re talking about a game that’s happened maybe 18 rounds ago,” Goodes said on Wednesday.

“Teams change.”

Goodes said the loss was a catalyst for the Swans’ turnaround, after losing three of their first four games this year.

The minor premiers went on to win the next 12 straight.

“The way we’ve played in the last 15, 16 rounds, we’re a really different team,” he said.

“North Melbourne play differently as well.

The Swans have been outstanding this year and deservedly head into their preliminary final at ANZ Stadium as clear favourites.

But North Melbourne’s record against the top teams surely can’t hurt their confidence.

If the giant-slaying Kangaroos play like they have against the top sides, with their attacking brand of football in top gear, the Swans will have to be at their very best to stop them.

“The biggest thing for us is that we’re in good form, they’re in good form,” Goodes said.

“You hear how confident the boys are down there at North Melbourne.

“They should be, they’ve won the last six games.

“It’s going to be a cracking preliminary final.”

THE AFL’S SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

HOW THE FOUR REMAINING TEAMS HAVE FARED AGAINST EACH OTHER THIS SEASON

SYDNEY (3-2 win-loss record)

Lost to North Melbourne by 43 points in round 4; beat Hawthorn by 19 points in round eight; beat Port Adelaide by four points in round 13; lost to Hawthorn by 10 points in round 18; beat Port Adelaide by 26 points in round 20

HAWTHORN (1-3 win-loss record)

Lost to Sydney by 19 points in round eight; lost to Port Adelaide by 14 points in round 10; lost to North Melbourne by 20 points in round 16; beat Sydney by 10 points in round 18

PORT ADELAIDE (1-3 win-loss record)

Lost to North Melbourne by seven points in round three; beat Hawthorn by 14 points in round 10; lost to Sydney by four points in round 13; lost to Sydney by 26 points in round 20

NORTH MELBOURNE (3-0 win-loss record)

Beat Port Adelaide by seven points in round three; beat Sydney by 43 points in round four; beat Hawthorn by 20 points in round 16

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