What an amazing year of AFL football we have witnessed! One round left, and nine teams still in the hunt for the elusive premiership flag and six of the nine games in the final round having a direct bearing on the final ladder position of the eight teams who make it into September.
Friday night’s game between Melbourne and Brisbane will see the winner guaranteed a double chance, and a possible home final in week one whilst the loser will only remain in the top four if both Collingwood and Fremantle lose.
In the unlikely event that the Friday night blockbuster is a draw and Collingwood loses but Fremantle wins (a likely scenario) then both Melbourne and Brisbane would retain top four status.
Fremantle will know the result of the Melbourne/Brisbane clash when they take the field in an away game against Greater Western Sydney in the first game on Saturday and know that a win will put them into the top four, but won’t know if it is permanent or temporary until the second last game of the round is decided.
Jordan De Goey. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
If Collingwood loses, then they will make top four.
If Collingwood wins then they will have to rely on Sydney losing the last home and away game of the season to make top four!
The game at Docklands between North Melbourne and Gold Coast Suns holds no interest in terms of impact on the finals but both clubs will be keen to end the season on a positive note.
Jed Anderson (North Melbourne) will celebrate his 100th AFL game, 90 of which have been with the Kangaroos. For the Gold Coast Suns, it could be the year to set a new bench mark.
Only once before (2014) have they finished as high as 10th on the ladder – their current position which they are likely to retain and – although the number of wins will only equal 2014’s total they appear likely to be able to boast their best defensive year ever.
In fact, a win by more than 16 points will see them finish with a percentage above 100% for the first time in their 13 year existence.
No doubt if they win the Suns will be tuning into the South Australian showdown between Adelaide and Port Adelaide hoping for a repeat of Adelaide’s win in the clash on April Fool’ Day this year. Another Crow victory would see the Gold Coast climb to 11th on the ladder.
Geelong are cruising. Already the minor premiers, they are guaranteed a Victorian final in week one and no doubt will continue their successful player management program and rest players for the game against West Coast Eagles.
Let’s hope it is not Patrick Dangerfield again, as we stats nuts have been waiting patiently whilst he played only six of the last 12 rounds and was beaten to the 300 game mark by Richmond’s Shane Edwards. He will now become the 99th player to reach that total.
If Richmond win or draw their Saturday night game against Essendon they will remain 7th on the ladder. A loss by them and a win by Carlton could see them drop to eighth.
A win by the Western Bulldogs will keep their slim finals hopes alive. However they need to beat Hawthorn by enough to make up a .9% differential and then hope Collingwood wins.
A win to Carlton will ensure them of a place in the finals, and a win to Sydney in the last game against St Kilda ensure them of a Top 4 position.
Mark
Guest
Looks like Goldy currently at 294 games will be No. 100 to 300 games if he plays on next year which you would think he would. As Sidebottom and Cotchin the next two closest at 285 games, are a fair way off but also probably play on next year.