Adelaide may be in the top eight for the first time this season but it still has plenty of work ahead in the last five minor rounds if it is to stay there.
The Crows only have a percentage advantage over Collingwood and Gold Coast and will probably need four more wins to hold off any challengers.
Thirteen wins still appears to be the number needed to book a finals spot but percentage may also be needed to split the contenders.
Here is a quick guide to what’s ahead for the six clubs fighting for three spots:
6. North Melbourne
40 points (ten wins, seven losses) 112.5 per cent
The round 18 loss to Carlton has dropped the Kangaroos back into the battle for spots in bottom end of the top eight and their next opponent is Geelong.
The run home:
Rd 19: Geelong at Etihad Stadium
Rd 20: Greater Western Sydney at Startrack Oval
Rd 21: Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium
Rd 22: Adelaide at Blundstone Arena
Rd 23: Melbourne at Etihad Stadium
7. Essendon
40 points (ten wins, seven losses) 109.8 per cent
The Bombers had a scare against the Western Bulldogs. Their next game is against Sydney but it’s the only current top-eight team on the run home. A round 22 clash against Gold Coast could be pivotal for both sides.
The run home:
Rd 19: Sydney Swans at the SCG
Rd 20: Richmond at the MCG
Rd 21: West Coast at Etihad Stadium
Rd 22: Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium
Rd 23: Carlton at the MCG
8. Adelaide
36 points (nine wins, eight losses) 109 per cent
Adelaide’s win over Collingwood was crucial but it must keep winning, probably needing another four wins from the last five game to stay in the top eight.
The run home:
Rd 19: West Coast at Adelaide Oval
Rd 20: Brisbane Lions at the Gabba
Rd 21: Richmond at Adelaide Oval
Rd 22: North Melbourne at Blundstone Oval
Rd 23: St Kilda at Adelaide Oval
9. Collingwood
36 points (nine wins, eight losses) 105 per cent
Five losses from its past five games has sent Collingwood tumbling out of the top eight. Still in the mix but faces Port Adelaide at the MCG this weekend and then travels to Perth to play West Coast.
The run home:
Rd 19: Port Adelaide at the MCG
Rd 20: West Coast at Patersons Stadium
Rd 21: Brisbane Lions at the MCG
Rd 22: Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium
Rd 23: Hawthorn at the MCG
10. Gold Coast
36 points (nine wins, eight losses) 96.1 per cent
Losing to Brisbane has cost the Suns a spot in the top eight. Will need four wins from their last five games and even that may not be enough to appear in their first AFL finals series because of their low percentage.
The run home:
Rd 19: St Kilda at Metricon Stadium
Rd 20: Carlton at Etihad Stadium
Rd 21: Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium
Rd 22: Essendon at Etihad Stadium
Rd 23: West Coast at Metricon Stadium
11. West Coast
28 points (seven wins, ten losses) 106.6 per cent
It’s tempting to rule the Eagles out after their loss at home last Friday night to Richmond. But an away win over the Crows this Saturday would revive their slim hopes ahead of their round 20 clash with Collingwood in Perth.
The run home:
Rd 19: Adelaide at Adelaide Oval
Rd 20: Collingwood at Patersons Stadium
Rd 21: Essendon at Etihad Stadium
Rd 22: Melbourne at Patersons Stadium
Rd 23: Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium
