North Melbourne vs Sydney Preview & Prediction | 2026 AFL | Regular Season | Round 9

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In-form Sydney take on North Melbourne as they seek a sixth consecutive victory in the 2026 AFL season.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels

How to watch online: UK – HBO Max & Watch AFL / USA – Watch AFL

The prediction

North Melbourne have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season, following up their narrow loss to Greater Western Sydney by succumbing to Geelong last week.

The Kangaroos were very much in the contest against Geelong but collapsed in the fourth quarter, at one point conceding five goals in a row to their opponents.

That is hardly ideal preparation for them to face one of the standout teams in the current campaign, with Sydney boasting seven victories from their eight games to date.

The Swans recorded their fifth straight win with a high-scoring triumph over Melbourne on home turf last week, as they approach the 1000-point mark for the season.

There is no reason to believe that won't continue here, with the visitors expected to cover a -22.5 handicap.

North Melbourne vs Sydney tip: Sydney to win with -22.5 handicap