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.
(Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
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.
(AAP Image/Julian Smith)
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.
New York Hawk
Roar Rookie
I love it that a close win against teams everyone tipped us to lose against are considered "scraped over the line"!
RT
Roar Rookie
But Peter if playing WC in Perth is a certain loss then playing Hawks, GWS or Magpies at the MCG must be a certain win, so it doesn't matter.
anon
Roar Pro
And the Cats smashed Collingwood. The losses to Brisbane are bizarre. If they win those two games they're a top 2 team. The Hawks are flawed and a team in transition. Remarkable what they're doing. I hope Hawthorn meet Collingwood in the finals. They'll beat them the Pies comfortably.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Reasonable form. Especially since you regard Essendon and Geelong so highly. What's your point?
Slane
Guest
I dunno, kind of feels like Essendon have more to play for after the Tiges pasted them earlier in the season. Top 2 locked up. Players being sent off for surgery. I think they might be vulnerable.
PeteB
Guest
Pies have played Tigers twice and lost by 43 and 28. Not even close. Sorry Pete you must be deluded if you think they’re a threat.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Hawks, Pies, GWS can all send you off to a Perth prelim final Richie which is a certain loss based on your interstate lethargy this year.
RT
Roar Rookie
If you are going to discount the GC win as they were a rabble then you can discount the Adl and WC losses since those teams were the exact opposite of rabble at the time. Well WC at least but Adl we're always going to get up after their smashing by the best last year. GWS was not surprising, they are good. Port is the only poor result. Looking like playing the Hawks in week 1 of the finals. Should be interesting as they have improved a lot since we last played them.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Simple Anon. Hawthorn had to climb back up the Power Rankings after being belted by Brisbane by 6 goals and 9 goals respectively in the two games they played them. The Hawks form is deceptive. beat Bulldogs by ten goals round 16 smashed by the Lions by 6 goals round 17 smashed woeful Carlton by 12 goals round 18 smashed lowly Freo by ten goals round 19 scraped over the line against the Bombers scraped over the line against the Cats
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
It's a coincidence RichieTiger isn't it that all your tough games have been interstate except when you play a rabble like the Suns? Wouldn't want to drop the QF and travel to Perth for the Prelim. What do the Tigers do so wrong on your interstate trips? Fly Tiger air?
Larrikin
Roar Rookie
away from the snuggles of home ground MCG Richmond aren't tigers there vulnerable little pussy cats
JamesH
Roar Guru
Shots fired.
anon
Roar Pro
Hawthorn would beat Collingwood at the MCG if they played tomorrow, plus they're ahead of Collingwood on the ladder. I don't understand how Collingwood could be ahead.
RT
Roar Rookie
I can't say I truly understand the premise of this column but I think it is largely based on leader position and the last round, not 4 rounds ago.
RT
Roar Rookie
It is a shame Essendon are not at full strength. We need a tough game and haven't had one since losing to GWS.
Ray Hammond
Roar Rookie
Despite the Bombers recent winning form and having lost only by 16 and 4 points in the last 9 games have won 7. And even after they win you have them dropping places, and Sydney whom they thrashed a few weeks ago you have leap-frogging past them up 4 places. Unbelievable!
User
Roar Rookie
Even if jk is held back at his age and experience he would not end up a passenger in a final. Hold him back and have him right for the qualifier imo.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Fantasia is such a big out, and a fully fit Daniher would have kept Rance accountable. Still, if we can learn from our mistakes in bombing the ball straight to Stratton or Aliir and be a bit smarter going forward, we're an outside chance.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
S'pose it'll be the Bulldogs in the same boat next week. Keep up the good work, Scribe. It is a stark reflection of yourself. Winners are grinners. Losers look for, and find, excuses. Which of the two are you?
WCE
Roar Rookie
West Coast must be on their toes and not complacent against both Melbourne and the up and coming Brisbane. a home final at the new Perth stadium will fill to capacity of 60,000 what an awesome experience that will be. First beat the competitive Dee's and then the Lions at the gabba which hopefully may include big JK to come back into the side for the last home and away game.