In another AFL season that has been filled with uncertainties and changes due to COVID, it is only fitting that fans can expect the unexpected.
After the bye rounds that concluded at the cessation of Round 14, the top eight looked pretty set.
Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs were flying, Geelong and Brisbane rounded out the top four, and few would think that Port Adelaide, Sydney, West Coast or Richmond would drop out of the eight come season's end given the talent that those teams possess and the form that they were in.
However, fast forward to the conclusion of Round 17, and the eight is anything but set.
West Coast and Richmond have both hit serious form slumps, and sides outside the eight such as Fremantle, GWS, St. Kilda and Essendon are all starting to hit their strides as they have all started to make a legitimate push for finals.
Check out below as we analyse the sides from 7th to 12th in terms of strength of schedule, form, and see who is the most likely two teams to round out the eight come finals time.
The Dockers have shot up to 7th spot on the ladder after winning three of their past five matches against Gold Coast, Collingwood and Hawthorn.
West Coast and Richmond losing their past three-games helps justify their position.
Remaining schedule: [sixth easiest run home]
- Round 18 - Home vs Geelong
- Round 19 - Away vs Sydney
- Round 20 - Home vs Richmond
- Round 21 - Home vs Brisbane
- Round 22 - Home vs West Coast
- Round 23 - Away vs St. Kilda
The Dockers have a tough run home with four of the six remaining games against opponents in the eight at the moment. Statistically teams need to win at least 12-games to make finals, so Fremantle will have to win at least four more games.
It will be a tough ask to achieve this, as there no games I can confidently say that they will win. I have them finishing outside the eight based on their tough run home.
Verdict: Won't make finals
