The last round of the regular AFL season is here, with a number of interesting and important clashes taking place this weekend. The Friday night game is between Hawthorn and West Coast, kicking off at 7.50pm. The Hawks have momentum on their side at the moment, and played a cracker last week at the SCG. However, a win for West Coast will give them a top four spot, so they will also be very hungry for a win.
Geelong Cats vs Sydney Swans takes place on Saturday at 1.45pm, in what is a difficult game to pick. While the Swans had a loss last weekend and the Cats had a win, Sydney looked good in defeat and have a good chance of winning if they can manage to keep the momentum.
The Adelaide Crows play the Gold Coast on Saturday at 2.10pm, in what is probably not the most anticipated match of the round. Adelaide will be favourites to take this one out, and while the Suns had a good upset win last weekend, it will be difficult for them to get two in a row and beat the Crows.
GWS Giants vs North Melbourne takes place on Saturday at 4.40pm, with the Roos big favourites to win this encounter. While this might not look like an exciting match-up on paper, it will be interesting in terms of the margins, with North Melbourne keen to secure a home final.
Fremantle play the Melbourne Demons on Saturday at 7.40pm, with Fremantle theoretically able to choose their elimination opponent. However, these kind of issues will not be around next year, when all last round matches that influence the finals will be played at the same time like in the English Premier League.
Essendon vs Collingwood kicks off on Saturday at 7.40pm, a match that could have a big effect on the final ladder positions. However saying that, if Sydney and West Coast both win, Collingwood could already have their place sorted out for them prior to kick-off.
Carlton play St Kilda on Sunday at 1.10pm, in a game that has been getting a lot of interest around the country. The Saints will be really keen to prove themselves in the last match of the season, while the Blues will want to send sacked coach Brett Ratten off with a win.
Richmond vs Port Adelaide kicks off on Sunday at 3.15pm. Richmond will also be keen to end their season well, and start looking forward to better things next year. Port Adelaide are in an even worse position after a bad season, and probably don’t have enough juice left to end it with a victory.
The last match of the round is between the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs, taking place on Sunday afternoon at 4.40pm. The Bulldogs have had a horrid season in 2012, dropping five positions on the ladder. While the Lions have not exactly set the table on fire either, they are much more deserving of finishing off the season with at least some good news.