- Richmond (- last week)
The Tigers made light work of the Suns up at Metricon Stadium with star Jack Riewoldt kicking 10 in the big win. The Tigers ramped up the intensity in the second half to get their first win outside of Victoria this season. Richmond faces Essendon at the MCG in a Friday night blockbuster.
2. West Coast (-)
The Eagles once again stole victory after the siren at Adelaide Oval, however, this time it was Jeremy McGovern who was the hero. A win this week will ensure the Eagles finish in the top two, that task comes against Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
3. GWS (-)
The Giants kept themselves in the top four with a tight win over the Crows in Canberra as their injury toll continued to rise. GWS lost Sam Reid to a hamstring injury, star Josh Kelly to concussion and Heath Shaw to a knee injury, putting another dent in their premiership aspirations. GWS play host to the Swans in a massive clash on Saturday.
4. Collingwood (-)
The Pies recovered from a slow start against Brisbane to keep their double chance hopes alive this season. Jordan De Goey marked his return to the side with a four-goal performance. Collingwood face Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday, aiming to keep knocking on the door of the top four.
5. Hawthorn (+3)
The Hawks and Cats put on another classic at the MCG as Hawthorn moved into the top four, winning their fourth game in a row. After having a 26-point lead at the final change, some late brilliance from Jaeger O'Meara secured the Hawks' 13th win of the season. Hawthorn will face St. Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
6. Sydney (+4)
After appearing to be on the verge of missing the finals, the Swans have found a way to beat two top eight sides in the space of two weeks. The news is not all good for Sydney though, as Nick Smith sustained a glute injury, sidelining him for a majority of the game and luckless defender Alex Johnson appearing to suffer another ACL injury. The Swans take on rival GWS on Saturday, looking to seal their place in September.
7. Port Adelaide (-1)
Once again, the Power found themselves brutally unlucky to be on the receiving end of a loss as their finals chances suddenly look in jeopardy. The Power lead all game and even played the last quarter with one on the bench after injuries to Paddy Ryder, Charlie Dixon and Dan Houston. Port Adelaide travel to Melbourne to face Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday, trying to save their spot in the top eight.
8. Melbourne (-3)
Against a side with two on the bench for a majority of the game, Melbourne found a way to lose thanks to its own inaccuracy as they now become in danger of missing the finals. Melbourne still have not beaten a side in the top eight this season. To rectify that, they will need to beat West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
9. Essendon (-)
The Bombers' very slim finals chances remain alive after a convincing win over lowly St. Kilda on Friday night. The AFL's injury curse also hit the Dons, however, with Brendan Goddard and Adam Saad both failing to see out the first quarter. To remain in the hunt for finals, Essendon must defeat the reigning premiers Richmond at the MCG, something no side has done since June 2017.
10. Geelong (-3)
The Cats missed a big chance to move back into the top eight, falling to rivals Hawthorn by 11 points. The Cats missed two big opportunities late to try and steal the victory but were unable to and now must beat their final two opponents to remain a finals hope. Geelong faces Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.
11. North Melbourne (-)
The Kangaroos' finals hopes are all but over after a disappointing loss to the Bulldogs on Sunday. North Melbourne had a horrific third quarter, giving up a 28-point half time lead to trail at the final change and could not recover. They travel to Adelaide to face the Crows, hoping to keep the pressure on the sides above them.
12. Adelaide (-)
The Crows fell short to GWS, ending their chances of featuring in September. They will also be without skipper Taylor Walker against North Melbourne this week too, after the forward copped a two-match ban for his tackle on Josh Kelly. Adelaide take on the Kangaroos on Sunday.
13. Western Bulldogs (+1)
A rare emphatic second half from the Dogs gave them a seven-point win over the Kangaroos on Sunday. Lachie Hunter, Caleb Daniel and Jack Macrae all ran riot with each collecting 40 disposals or more. The Dogs look to continue their good form when they face Carlton on Sunday.
14. Fremantle (+1)
After a slow first half, the Dockers took control of the game and finished 29 point winners over Carlton. Lachie Neale had 34 disposals and 10 clearances for Fremantle to lift his side over the line. Fremantle travel to Geelong to face the Cats on Saturday.
15. Brisbane (-2)
The Lions could not replicate their strong first half showing, eventually falling to the Pies by 31 points. Youngster Alex Witherden did his Rising Star chances no harm with a 30 disposals and 11 marks performance. The Lions face rivals Gold Coast in the Q-Clash on Saturday night.
16. St. Kilda (-)
The Saints were no match for Essendon on Friday night as they come towards the end of their season. In a positive, Seb Ross showed some of his 2017 form, collecting 43 disposals in the loss. St. Kilda faces Hawthorn on Saturday night.
17. Carlton (-)
The Blues only kicked three goals in the second half as they lost to Fremantle in Perth by 29 points, nearly guaranteeing them the wooden spoon. Carlton lost ruckman Matthew Kreuzer once again before the bounce due to another elevated heart rate. The Blues face the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, seeking their third win for the year.
18. Gold Coast (-)
The Suns were comprehensively beaten on their home turf by the premiers by 74 points. In more bad news, the Suns lost both Pearce Hanley and Will Brodie to hamstring injuries, neither will play again this year. Gold Coast take on rivals Brisbane in the Q-Clash on Saturday.
