THE RUN HOME FOR THE AFL FINALS CONTENDERS
RICHMOND
Top, 14-4, 56 points, 137.8 per cent
The reigning premiers remain the pacesetters. In the box seat for a top-two finish, which means a home qualifying final at their MCG fortress.
To come: Geelong (MCG), Gold Coast (Metricon Stadium), Essendon (MCG), Western Bulldogs (MCG)
WEST COAST
2nd, 52, 13-5, 121.3
Despite losing to North Melbourne, they remain a game clear in second spot. But they must win the Western Derby – never a given.
To come: Fremantle (Optus Stadium), Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), Melbourne (Optus Stadium), Brisbane (Gabba)
COLLINGWOOD
3rd, 48, 12-6, 118.1
The Magpies were brave in their loss to Richmond, but are they at a tipping point with their injury plague?
To come: Sydney (SCG), Brisbane (Etihad Stadium), Port Adelaide (MCG), Fremantle (Optus Stadium)
PORT ADELAIDE
4th, 48, 12-6, 116.2
The Power are back in the top four. Next weekend’s Showdown is massive and they have a solid run home.
To come: Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), West Coast (Adelaide Oval), Collingwood (MCG), Essendon (Adelaide Oval)
GWS
5th, 46, 11-6-1, 113.6
After round 10, the Giants were on the verge of dropping out of finals contention. Now they’re knocking on the door of the top four.
To come: Carlton (Etihad Stadium), Adelaide (UNSW Canberra Oval), Sydney (Spotless Stadium), Melbourne (MCG)
MELBOURNE
6th, 44, 11-7, 127.3
At last, the Demons have won a close one. But it’s a tricky month ahead as they try to make the finals for the first time since 2006.
To come: Gold Coast (MCG), Sydney (MCG), West Coast (Optus Stadium), GWS (MCG)
HAWTHORN
7th, 44, 11-7, 122.7
Nothing like one of the AFL’s most heated rivalries to spice up the finals race, with the Hawks playing Essendon next Saturday in an MCG blockbuster.
To come: Essendon (MCG), Geelong (MCG), St Kilda (Etihad Stadium), Sydney (SCG)
GEELONG
8th, 44, 11-7, 120.3
The Cats are talking up their chances against the Tigers, who have been impregnable at the MCG. An upset win would be massive.
To come: Richmond (MCG), Hawthorn (MCG), Fremantle (GMHBA Stadium), Gold Coast (GMHBA Stadium)
SYDNEY
9th, 44, 11-7, 109.9
The Swans are in freefall, dropping out of the top eight for only the second time this season. They haven’t missed the finals since 2009.
To come: Collingwood (SCG), Melbourne (MCG), GWS (Spotless Stadium), Hawthorn (SCG)
NORTH MELBOURNE
10th, 40, 10-8, 110.6
The Kangaroos kept their finals hopes alive with a big win over the Eagles. All their coming opponents are below them on the ladder.
To come: Brisbane (Gabba), Western Bulldogs (Etihad Stadium), Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), St Kilda (Etihad Stadium)
ESSENDON
11th, 40, 10-8, 102.8
The Bombers have a tough run and cannot afford any slip-ups, but they’re finishing the season with a flourish.
To come: Hawthorn (MCG), St Kilda (Etihad Stadium), Richmond (MCG), Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)
ADELAIDE
12th, 36, 9-9, 98.3
Even if they win all their games, the Crows’ percentage is a significant handicap. Last year’s grand finalists need a lot to go right for an unlikely top-eight berth.
To come: Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), GWS (UNSW Canberra Oval), North Melbourne (Adelaide Oval), Carlton (Etihad Stadium)
