ROUND 17 OF THE AFL SEASON COULD SHAPE THE FINALS
* WEST COAST (2nd, 44 points) v COLLINGWOOD (3rd, 40pts), Optus Stadium, Friday 8.10pm AEST
Talk about an eight-point game. West Coast have won their past four meetings with the Magpies, including last year’s grand final. Buoyed by the return of superstar ruckman Nic Naitanui, the in-form premiers could go two wins clear in second place if other results fall their way. A third-straight loss would be a hammer blow to Collingwood’s hopes of earning a home qualifying final.
* HAWTHORN (13th, 24pts) v FREMANTLE (11th, 28pts), University of Tasmania Stadium, Saturday 2.10pm
Losses to lowly Melbourne and Carlton and a 91-point derby drubbing from West Coast have left the Dockers’ finals hopes hanging by a thread. The logjam for spots in the top eight means Fremantle really can’t afford to drop this game. But their record in Launceston is atrocious: they’ve only won once there from 11 games.
* ESSENDON (9th, 32pts) v NORTH MELBOURNE (10th, 28pts), Marvel Stadium, Saturday 4.35pm
Rhyce Shaw’s rejuvenated Kangaroos just keep winning and a finals berth is no longer out of the equation. The Bombers have also struck form over the past fortnight. Plenty at stake for both teams, both of whom have played well under the roof at Docklands.
* GEELONG (1st, 48pts) v ST KILDA (15th, 24pts), GMHBA Stadium, Saturday 7.25pm
After losing two of their past three games, the Cats will want to reclaim some momentum. For St Kilda, the equation is simple: lose, and Alan Richardson’s time is likely up, even if he coaches out the season. A must-win for the Saints’ slim finals hopes.
* RICHMOND (6th, 36pts) v GWS (5th, 36pts), MCG, Sunday 1.10pm
Are GWS genuine flag threats? Their patchy form and poor MCG record are big concerns. Beating Richmond on their home turf would send a statement. But the Tigers are building at just the right time and could welcome back Jack Riewoldt as they mount their own top-four bid.
* BRISBANE (4th, 40pts) v PORT ADELAIDE (7th, 32pts), Adelaide Oval, Sunday 4.40pm
The Lions continue to exceed expectations as they charge toward a top-four finish. Can they get it done on the road two weeks in a row? Depends which version of Port shows up. The wildly inconsistent Power need to start stringing together wins if they want to play finals.
