Best/worst scenarios for AFL finalists

SO YOU’RE TELLING ME THERE’S A CHANCE?…

1. SYDNEY (64 points, 145.1 per cent) – Richmond (SCG), Saturday twilight

Best: 1st

Worst: 6th

If Richmond are able to post a cricket score at the SCG then the Swans could slip out of the top four. More realistically they’ll win and host a qualifying final.

2. ADELAIDE (64, 142.3) – West Coast (AO), Friday night

Best: 1st

Worst: 6th

Must navigate a tricky home clash with the resurgent Eagles to finish in the top two. Could stay in the top four even if they lose but will be relying on other results.

3. GEELONG (64, 137.7) – Melbourne (SS), Saturday afternoon

Best: 1st

Worst: 6th

An upset at the SCG could allow the Cats to snatch the minor premiership. The more pressing concern for Chris Scott will be sealing his side’s place in the top four.

4. HAWTHORN (64, 119.3) – Collingwood (MCG), Sunday afternoon

Best: 1st

Worst: 7th

They risk being pitched into a knockout final if they’re unable to get the job done against the Magpies. A victory guarantees them a place in the top four.

5. GWS (60, 142.5) – North Melbourne (ES), Saturday night

Best: 1st

Worst: 7th

It’s likely the Giants will be facing North in week one of the finals but if any of the top-four sides lose they’ll be perfectly placed to capitalise on it.

6. WEST COAST (60, 129.5) – Adelaide (AO), Friday night

Best: 1st

Worst: 7th

If every result goes the Eagles’ way and they crush the Crows by 100-plus points then they will finish in the top two and host a qualifying final. That’s a pretty big if.

7. WESTERN BULLDOGS (60, 117.4) – Fremantle (DS), Sunday twilight

Best: 4th

Worst: 7th

Geelong, Adelaide and Sydney all have too much of a percentage buffer but they’ll be bullish about overtaking the Hawks – if the three-time reigning premiers lose to Collingwood.

8. NORTH MELBOURNE (48, 112.9) – GWS (ES), Saturday night

Best: 8th

Worst: 8th

Have crashed badly since starting the season with a club-record nine straight wins. Can still shape the ladder – especially the Giants’ hopes of a top-four berth.

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