Roar Guru
It’s getting to the pointy end of the home-and-away season; some spots in the eight are still up for grabs, others have been locked in by the real contenders for this year’s premiership.
Last week: 1
This weekend’s trip to the Gold Coast was a time for the lads to get some sun and re-charge before finals, oh and they played a game of footy on Saturday afternoon just to get the legs moving and keep the skills in check.
Last week: 3
The only time the Eagles led was at the final siren, but hey – that’s the only time you need to be in front! This almost cements a top-two finish and a home final; Melbourne at home and Brisbane at the Gabba are the two games still to come – the Eagles will be flying high into September.
Last week: 2
It was a battle in the first half for the Giants, but Adelaide were no match for the Giants hitting their stride. They had another four injuries on Saturday night and have two tough games to finish, will they finish in the top or bottom half of the eight?
Last week: 4
Three straight goals before half-time and Collingwood had the momentum for the rest of the game. Did what needed to be done against Brisbane and keep themselves in contention for a double chance come finals.
Last week: 5
In another classic against Geelong, the Hawks got up this time and proved they could be a threat this September. They might even hold their fourth-place finish and take on Richmond in a qualifying final at the MCG.
Last week: 10
Gee football can be cruel sometimes. Sydney and the whole football world absolutely devastated for Alex Johnson. After a quiet first 40 minutes, the Swans connected well and made it count on the scoreboard, and they held on despite a last quarter comeback by Melbourne.
Last week: 6
Geelong is pencilled in for victories over Fremantle and Gold Coast at GMHBA Stadium in the final two rounds, they are the best chance to take a spot in the eight from those currently outside it.
Last week: 7
They staged a mini-comeback in the final term, but it wasn’t enough against Sydney. The Eagles in Perth and GWS at the MCG are the final two games for Melbourne, and they could be their last two for the year.
Last week: 8
Okay, that one hurt. Now every game is like an elimination final for Port, as losing relies on other teams results and everyone knows you really don’t want to do that.
Last week: 9
There is still life in Essendon’s season, but it could all end next weekend as they have a date with the reigning premiers. Some injury concerns out of Friday night’s win over St Kilda.
Last week: 11
Season over for Adelaide. A disappointing year after their run to the 2017 grand final, but some off-season strength and conditioning sessions and no collective mind camps, and the Crows should be back in finals contention next year.
Last week: 12
Playing for their season and a finals-berth, North came undone in the second half. Things get tough now, they have Adelaide in Adelaide next weekend, before a round 23 match-up against St Kilda. Two wins and they might get into the eight… might.
Last week: 14
What a turnaround in the second half from a team who were really only playing for pride and Dale Morris. Smarter play by the Dogs gave their forwards better opportunities to put majors on the scoreboard. It was another tight finish against the Kangaroos, but this one goes the way of the Western Bulldogs.
Last week: 13
Some great early pressure from the Lions had everyone with eyes on the eight hoping Brisbane could cause an upset, but Collingwood proved too strong in the second half. Brisbane move down a spot this week, switching places with the Bulldogs.
Last week: 15
A quiet start for Fremantle at home, but they got going in the second half and were too good for the likely wooden-spoon winners Carlton. Their seven goal third term set up the victory and they notch up an eighth win for the season.
Last week: 16
Ordinary. They were with the Bombers until the 23rd minute mark of the second term, before Essendon went bang and kicked away. The game had some fire and unfortunately for the Saints, Nathan Brown will front the tribunal on Tuesday for his bump on Adam Saad, a suspension will likely end his season early.
Last week: 17
Tough day at home hosting the reigning premiers and things got worse, losing two players to hamstring injuries. Outclassed and had little fight to give, end of the season can’t come soon enough!
Last week: 18
Okay early, but faded in the third quarter, as Fremantle piled on seven goals and the Blues had no reply. Another team the last two games can’t go quick enough for.