AFL
  • Home
  • AFL

Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL Round 24 Tips - Roos to expose depleted Swans

jeremy-darke
Editor
Last updated: Wed 19 Aug 2026 11:04

North Melbourne faces the Sydney Swans in AFL 2026 Round 24, with the Swans suffering major setbacks due to key suspensions. Historically dominant, Sydney now faces a depleted lineup, greatly evening the matchup. North has shown improvement, recently defeating Western Bulldogs and competing strongly against Geelong. Expert tipsters recommend backing North Melbourne -6.5 and suggest Sydney will struggle to score over 90.5 points. Caleb Daniel is tipped to have over 25 disposals, making him a player to watch. The consensus: take a calculated bet on North due to Sydney’s weakened lineup.

Jeremy Darke 2 hours ago
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Swans missing 5 key players due to suspension, weakening their lineup.
  • Expert tip: Back North Melbourne -6.5 and Sydney under 90.5 points.
  • Caleb Daniel expected to exceed 25 disposals vs depleted Swans.
  • The game will be played at the SCG on Sunday, 23rd August, with the bounce at 3:20 PM (AEST).
Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL Round 24 Tips
Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL Round 24 Tips

Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos, Round 24 2026 - Expert Prediction


Sydney's off-field drama is the clear storyline here and why North Melbourne -6.5 the preferred side of the line. 

The Kangaroos pushed Sydney to just eight points earlier this season, losing 105-97, and have since shown they can compete with stronger opposition. Their 23-point win over the Western Bulldogs and explosive seven-goal opening quarter against Geelong are much better indicators of their ceiling than the overall 9-13 record.

Sydney's season numbers normally make them extremely difficult to oppose. They average 110.0 points per game, 60.2 inside 50s and 31.6 shots, while North average only 84.6 points. But those numbers were built with Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice available for much of the campaign. Removing that much ball-winning, transition and forward-half creativity changes the matchup dramatically.

That also brings Sydney under 90.5 points firmly into play. The Swans average 119.2 points across their past five, but this is anything but their regular attacking lineup. Warner has kicked 34 goals from midfield this season, Heeney has 32, while Blakey is a major driver of their rebound and metres gained. North do not need to completely shut down Charlie Curnow and Sydney's remaining forwards; they simply need to reduce the quality and frequency of their supply.

The player angle comes through Caleb Daniel 25+ disposals. Daniel averages 25.3 disposals in 2026 and has recorded at least 25 touches in each of his past three meetings with Sydney. 

He has also reached 25+ in three of his past five games, with his two misses finishing on 24. This looks like a matchup where North should have more opportunity to control possession than the market might normally allow against the Swans.

  • Sydney have beaten North Melbourne in each of their past 11 meetings, but their Round 9 clash this season was decided by only eight points.
  • North Melbourne average 86.2 points across their past five matches and produced 110 points against Geelong last week.
  • Sydney will be without Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice through suspension.
  • Caleb Daniel averages 25.3 disposals this season and has had 25, 27 and 25 disposals in his past three games against Sydney.

Head to Head


Sydney Swans have completely controlled this matchup historically, winning the past 11 meetings against North Melbourne Kangaroos.

The margins have often been sizeable, including wins by 31, 65 and 79 points across the three meetings before this season. However, North closed the gap considerably in Round 9, when Sydney escaped with a 105-97 victory.

Sydney Swans Form Analysis


Sydney have been one of the AFL's dominant teams across the second half of the season, winning four straight and averaging 119.2 points across their past five matches.

Their recent victories have included margins of 97 points against Port Adelaide, 51 against GWS and 36 against Essendon, so the raw form profile is clearly elite.

The problem is personnel rather than performance.

Heeney and Warner have been two of Sydney's most damaging midfield-forward weapons, while Blakey has been central to their ability to break lines from defence. James Jordon also provides important defensive midfield work. Losing that group at once is enough to significantly downgrade what has otherwise been one of the competition's strongest attacking teams.

North Melbourne Kangaroos Form Analysis


North Melbourne's recent win-loss record undersells some of the progress being made.

The Kangaroos beat the Western Bulldogs by 23 points two weeks ago and then produced one of their best quarters of the season against Geelong, racing to a 38-point quarter-time lead before eventually losing 125-110.

Their past-five scoring average of 86.2 points is modest, but they have shown far more attacking upside recently than that number suggests. Luke Davies-Uniacke remains the key clearance weapon, while Jy Simpkin, George Wardlaw and Finn O'Sullivan give North enough midfield depth to attack Sydney's depleted group.

Daniel becomes especially important without Sheezel. His ability to accumulate possession and distribute from behind the ball should see him heavily involved against a Sydney side missing several players who normally apply enormous pressure through the middle and forward half.

Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Team List & Team News


Sydney Swans 
The Swans have been rocked by the suspensions of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice. Hayden McLean is also unavailable through concussion, while Justin McInerney remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

North Melbourne Kangaroos
The Roos will be without Harry Sheezel after his cheekbone injury against Geelong. Luke McDonald is available to return, while Bailey Scott and Cooper Harvey have pushed their selection claims after strong VFL performances.

Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL 2026 Round 24 FAQs

  • How can I watch Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL 2026 Round 24?

    You can watch the Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL 2026 Round 24 game via Fox Footy or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside Australia, the Watch AFL service is the best option for live and on-demand coverage.

  • How can I buy tickets for Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL 2026 Round 24?

    To buy tickets for the Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL 2026 Round 24 game, check the official AFL website or the official Sydney Swans website.

Verdict

This could very well be a blowout but playing it safe with the Roos -6.5. Sydney will struggle to move the ball so thier under 90.5 points is the play. Caleb Daniel will continue his good form with 25+ touches.
Best Bet1: North Melbourne -6.5 Handicap/Line $1.91 at BetRaven - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Sydney Under 90.5 Team Total $1.90 at Marantellibet - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Caleb Daniel 25+ Disposals $1.87 at dabble - 2 Units
North Melbourne -6.5
Handicap/Line
$1.91 - 3 Units
Newest Australian Bookie
Referral Code: bets500

The BetRaven referral code is bets500. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Bet at BetRaven
Sydney Under 90.5
Team Total
$1.90 - 2 Units
Racing Specialist with keenest odds
Referral Code: BETS

The Marantellibet referral code is BETS. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Marantellibet
Caleb Daniel
25+ Disposals
$1.87 - 2 Units
Download the dabble app
with referral code BETSAU

Download the dabble app, enter referral code BETSAU to enjoy Dabble, the betting app with a difference! Bet as normal with & also be part of Australia's betting community where you can follow punters and sports stars, copy their bets, have banter with your mates & watch Sky Racing channels. 18+. T&Cs apply. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at dabble

Top Betting Sites

Betting offers

Upcoming Events

Load More
Betting Slip | 23 Aug 2026

Sydney Swans v North Melbourne Kangaroos

days

hours

min

Add to Calendar
Hear more from bets.com.au