But with the battle at the top so tight, Adelaide probably needs to win at least one of its remaining three minor-round games, against Brisbane, Melbourne and Gold Coast, to be secure in the top four. Another three wins should be enough to guarantee the Club a home qualifying final.
Collingwood also enhanced its prospects of a top-four finish last weekend, overcoming ladder leaders Sydney at ANZ Stadium. The win elevated the Magpies to level on points (60) with the Swans and Adelaide. The Pies could slip to as low as sixth place if results go against them, but could also finish top-two if they can win all of their remaining games, including a tough Perth trip to play West Coast in round 22.
Sydney’s superior percentage saw it retain top spot on the AFL ladder heading into round 21. Like Adelaide, the Swans probably need to win at least one of their last three minor-round matches to secure a top-four spot. They have a tough run home, including blockbusters against Hawthorn (SCG) and Geelong (Simonds Stadium) in their last two games.
Hawthorn continued its late surge and added to an already healthy percentage, easily disposing of Port Adelaide in Launceston. The Hawks are a game behind the top three. They should account for an undermanned Gold Coast this week, with huge games fellow top-four contenders against Sydney (SCG) and West Coast (MCG) in the coming weeks to determine their fate.
The Eagles kept their top-four hopes alive, coming from behind to beat Geelong last Friday night. West Coast is a game behind Hawthorn in fifth spot, and must beat the Hawks and Collingwood to be a chance of sneaking into the four.
North Melbourne drew level on points with Geelong after beating Essendon. The in-form Kangaroos have a tough two weeks, with games against Collingwood and Fremantle.
The Cats have winnable games against the Saints and Western Bulldogs in the coming fortnight. But much rests on their round 22 clash with the Swans at Simonds Stadium.
Essendon and Fremantle both missed an opportunity to draw level with the Cats on points, and have St Kilda and Carlton breathing down their necks for a place at the bottom-end of the eight.
Can you predict the final eight with the AFL Ladder Predictor ?
The AFL ladder as it currently stands
1. Sydney Swans
60 points (15 wins, four losses), 146.62 per cent
The run home:
Rd 21: Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium
Rd 22: Hawthorn at the SCG
Rd 23: Geelong at Simonds Stadium
2. Adelaide?
60 points (15 wins, four losses) 127.90 per cent? ?
The run home:?
Rd 21: Brisbane Lions at the Gabba?
Rd 22: Melbourne at the MCG?
Rd 23: Gold Coast at AAMI Stadium?
3. Collingwood
60 points (15 wins, four losses) 122.34 per cent
The run home:
Rd 21: North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium
Rd 22: West Coast at Patersons Stadium
Rd 23: Essendon at the MCG
4. Hawthorn
56 points (14 wins, five losses) 156.55 per cent
The run home:
Rd 21: Gold Coast at the MCG
Rd 22: Sydney Swans at the SCG
Rd 23: West Coast at the MCG
5. West Coast
52 points (13 wins, six losses) 122.76 per cent
The run home:
Rd 21: Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium
Rd 22: Collingwood at Patersons Stadium
Rd 23: Hawthorn at the MCG
6. North Melbourne
48 points (12 wins, seven losses), 114.07 per cent? ?
The run home:?
Rd 21: Collingwood at Etihad Stadium
Rd 22: Fremantle at Etihad Stadium?
Rd 23: Greater Western Sydney at Skoda Stadium? ?
7. Geelong
48 points (12 wins, seven losses), 112.88 per cent
The run home:
Rd 21: St Kilda at Etihad Stadium
Rd 22: Western Bulldogs at Simonds Stadium
Rd 23: Sydney Swans at Simonds Stadium
8. Essendon
44 points (11 wins, eight losses) 110.07 per cent? ?
The run home:
Rd 21: Carlton at the MCG
Rd 22: Richmond at the MCG?
Rd 23: Collingwood at the MCG? ?
9. Fremantle
44 points (11 wins, eight losses) 108.60 per cent
The run home:
Rd 21: Richmond at Patersons Stadium
Rd 22: North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium
Rd 23: Melbourne at Patersons Stadium
10. St Kilda
40 points (10 wins, nine losses), 120.74 per cent
The run home:
Rd 21: Geelong at Etihad Stadium
Rd 22: Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium
Rd 23: Carlton at Etihad Stadium
11. Carlton
40 points (10 wins, nine losses) 105.12 per cent
The run home:
Rd 21: Essendon at the MCG
Rd 22: Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium
Rd 23: St Kilda at Etihad Stadium
12. Richmond
36 points (nine wins, 10 losses) 112.04 per cent
The run home:
Rd 21: Fremantle at Patersons Stadium
Rd 22: Essendon at the MCG
Rd 23: Port Adelaide at the MCG
