1. Sydney (+1)

Ladder position: 6th

After knocking off the ladder leaders, the Swans are now the team to beat. They've won nine of their past 10 and haven't lost to any side other than Hawthorn since round six. They're playing some great footy at a great time.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: The Swans celebrate their win during the 2017 AFL round 22 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Sydney Swans at Adelaide Oval on August 18, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)

2. Adelaide (-1)

Ladder position: 1st

It's certainly not all doom and gloom for the Crows, even though they still haven't wrapped up the minor premiership. They're safe in the top two which is all that really matters, but a win against the Eagles in Perth would see them finish on top.

3. GWS (-)

Ladder position: 2nd

They did enough on Saturday to stay in second place, but could drop to as low as fourth depending on results this weekend. A big performance is needed against the Cats down in Geelong, but they've certainly got the talent to do it.

4. Geelong (-)

Ladder position: 3rd

A game where you bank the four points and just move on quickly. The Cats certainly didn't set the world on fire against Collingwood at the MCG, but they did enough to keep their chances for a top two finish alive. Beat GWS on Saturday, and second spot is theirs.

5. Richmond (-)ย 

Ladder position: 4th

They needed a big win against the Dockers to keep third spot in play should GWS lose on Saturday, and their 104-point win was exactly that. Jacob Townsend was brought in for his first game of the season and kicked six, as the absence of Josh Caddy was unnoticed.

6. Port Adelaide (+1)

Ladder position: 5th

Big result for the Power. They've kept their top four hopes alive, but almost more importantly moved above Sydney in fifth for the race for fourth position. Should Richmond lose to St Kilda, they'll just have to beat the Suns by more than Sydney beat the Blues and the double chance position awaits.

BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Robbie Gray of the Power celebrates a goal during the 2017 AFL round 22 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Port Adelaide Power at Mars Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

7. Melbourne (-1)

Ladder position: 7th

An important win for the Dees, but it didn't come easy. They were pushed by Brisbane for the entire afternoon on Sunday, and just sealed the victory in the final few minutes, which now makes their finals equation very simple. Beat Collingwood, and they're in.

8. Essendon (+2)

Ladder position: 8th

Essendon's fate is now in their own hands, after a win over the Suns on Saturday night moved them up into eighth spot with just one round remaining. Given they play Fremantle this weekend, they shouldn't have any problems and should find themselves playing September football.

9. West Coast (-)

Ladder position: 9th

The Eagles almost caused an upset on Saturday against the Giants, but a loss for Adam Simpson's men means finals is now a tough ask. They'll need to hope either Melbourne or Essendon lose this weekend, and they must beat Adelaide at home to sneak back into the eight.

10. Western Bulldogs (-2)

Ladder position: 11th

They had a big chance to lock themselves into the eight, but the loss to Port Adelaide almost certainly ends their premiership defence. It's been a poor season for the Dogs, and it looks like it won't result in finals.

11. St Kilda (+1)

Ladder position: 10th

A win over North Melbourne kept their faint September hopes alive, but the Saints will still need a lot of results to go their way. Firstly, they'll have to overcome the Tigers, who will be out for revenge after they were batted by St Kilda just two months ago.

12. Hawthorn (-1)

Ladder position: 12th

A disappointing loss for the Hawks, who were still in with a shot had they beaten the Blues. All in all, 2017 will be seen as a failure, but they've already come on leaps and bounds from where they were after the opening month.

13. Collingwood (-)

Ladder position: 13th

The Pies started brilliantly in the first quarter but couldn't sustain their dominance after quarter time, with Collingwood eventually falling to Geelong at the MCG. They still could have an impact on September action however, with their match against Melbourne still very important for the Dees.

14. Carlton (-)

Ladder position: 15th

Finally, their Hawthorn hoodoo is over. The Blues beat the Hawks for the first time in 12 years on Saturday night, and have also avoided the wooden spoon. An enjoyable night for Blues fans everywhere.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Jarrod Pickett of the Blues is congratulated by his teammates after kicking a goal during the round 22 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Hawthorn Hawks at Etihad Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

15. Brisbane (-)

Ladder position: 18th

Another decent performance from the Lions, who now host the Roos in a clash that will decide the wooden spoon. Given the way both sides have been trending in recent weeks, Brisbane should have enough to sneak past their fellow cellar dwellers.

16. North Melbourne (-)

Ladder position: 17th

A loss to Brisbane on Saturday, and the wooden spoon is theirs. On current form, that seems like the only plausible result. Sorry, North fans.

17. Gold Coast (+1)

Ladder position: 16th

The Suns stayed with the Bombers for most of the night on Saturday, but couldn't keep with them when it mattered. Their horrible season will come to an end this weekend although it could get ugly one last time, with Port Adelaide potentially playing for a top-four spot.

18. Fremantle (-1)

Ladder position: 14th

Two consecutive 100-point losses in a row means Fremantle well and truly threw in the towel weeks ago. The return of Harley Bennell was the only positive, although they'll be hoping they show something against a hungry Essendon this weekend.