The hard-fought win under at times heavy rain and dark clouds not only lifted the Kangaroos to a 3-1 win-loss record, it also broke a couple of the club's longer losing streaks. It was the Roos' first victory against the Swans since round six, 2007, having lost their past seven games against the Harbour City club. Moreover, the Kangaroos will head to Sydney Airport with smiles on their faces for a change, given North had come away winless from nine of its past 10 trips to the SCG.

Wearing the red and white for the first time at the SCG, Swans spearhead Lance Franklin looked primed for a big game early on, with an aggressive tackle, strong bump and a mark in the opening term. However, Roos backman Scott Thompson did a great job limiting the champion forward's influence in wet conditions, keeping Franklin goalless while generating good rebound out of defence. And Buddy ended the match in the umpire's book, charged with striking in the last term.

Prior to the opening bounce, the Swans paid tribute to one of their greatest-ever servants, Jude Bolton. There was a video highlight of his career before he walked a lap of honour. Yep, walked. Not in the back of a truck, no fanfare, just as he would have wanted it. Bolton sits second on the club's all-time games list with 325 and won two premierships, but his toughness and loyalty is what really won the crowd over.

The Swans, with one win and three losses after four rounds, find themselves in unfamiliar territory ahead of a tricky road trip west against Fremantle next weekend. It is the worst start to a season from men in red and white since since 2006, when the club also dropped three of its first four games.

Ben McGlynn had the big task of minding Brent Harvey, the Roos' highest ranked player in the Official AFL Player Ratings at No.6. The 28-year-old McGlynn did a super job. He kept North's games record holder to 11 possessions to half time and just one shot at goal, a hurried snap for a behind. It was an absorbing duel in wet conditions, with plenty of push and shove between the pair that drew the emergency umpire onto the ground in the third term. Harvey's frustration was also evident when he ripped the jumper of Swan Kieren Jack.