One minor round to go – and three teams sitting outside the current top eight still have hopes of playing in the finals.
North Melbourne and Essendon confirmed their positions with wins last weekend and Richmond has replaced Adelaide in eight spot, ahead of Collingwood on percentage.
But Richmond and Collingwood take on competition leaders Sydney and Hawthorn in the last round. Losses would open the door for either West Coast or Adelaide to jump into 8th.
Gold Coast dropped out of the race on the weekend after losing to Essendon.
Here an updated guide to what’s ahead:
6. North Melbourne
52 points (13 wins, eight losses) 116.2 per cent
Secure in sixth spot, win or lose to the Dees in the last round.
The run home:
Rd 23: Melbourne at Etihad Stadium
7. Essendon
48 points (12 wins, nine losses) 106.7 per cent
Will finish the minor round in seventh spot, win or lose to Carlton this weekend.
The run home:
Rd 23: Carlton at the MCG
8. Richmond
44 points (11 wins, ten losses) 105.8 per cent
Incredibly, even after eight consecutive wins, Richmond could still miss out. Win this week and Richmond will finish eighth. But they are playing Sydney in Sydney. Lose and they can only stay 8th if Collingwood, West Coast and Adelaide all lose.
The run home:
Rd 23: Sydney at ANZ Stadium
9. Collingwood
44 points (11 wins, nine losses) 97.4 per cent
The Magpies have to upset Hawthorn this week if they are to have any chance of securing eighth spot.
The run home:
Rd 23: Hawthorn at the MCG
10. West Coast
40 points (ten wins, 11losses) 114.7 per cent
Has the best percentage of the teams chasing eighth and this could be crucial. Needs to beat Gold Coast to have any chance though and also must rely on Collingwood and Richmond losing. And if the Eagles then get over the Suns, they will be waiting for the Adelaide game result to find out if they are in or out.
The run home:
Rd 23: Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium
11. Adelaide
40 points (ten wins, 11 losses) 110.2 per cent
Fell three spots after the loss to North Melbourne in Hobart and now has to rely on other results before it plays St Kilda on Sunday afternoon. If Collingwood or Richmond win their last minor round games, even a win won’t be enough for the Crows. And if West Coast defeats Gold Coast, Adelaide will need to win and also collect some percentage.
The run home
Rd 23: St Kilda at Adelaide Oval
12. Gold Coast
40 points (ten wins, 11 losses) 96 per cent
The loss to Essendon means the Suns won’t play finals this year, even if they win their last home game against West Coast on Sunday. But they could shape the finals eight with a win.
The run home:
Rd 23: West Coast at Metricon Stadium
