Sydney coach John Longmire says the Swans must overcome a North Melbourne side in rare form when they meet at the SCG on Sunday.
The contest brings together two of the competition’s form sides, with the Swans undefeated in their first three games and the Kangaroos riding high from their upset win over premiers Geelong.
“It’s as good as they’ve played in a long time,” Longmire said of North’s 17-point win on Sunday.
“I think we all know Geelong have been the benchmark team for a long time now and to come out and be in command for three quarters of the game like they were was a real credit to them.
“They’ve recruited really well over the last few years. They’ve got some great midfield depth and forwards who are on fire at the moment.”
The Swans will be without Adam Goodes due to suspension, with Longmire to confirm his replacement later on Friday.
Tommy Walsh, fellow new recruit Tony Armstrong, ruckman Mark Seaby and young speedster Harry Cunningham have all been named in an extended squad as possible replacements.
“We’ve got an idea but we won’t really confirm it until after training,” Longmire said,
“… It’s impossible to get a like-for-like with Adam Goodes, that’s one of the things we’ve got to weigh up but it’s also about what the opposition are doing.”