- Adelaide (13 W, 4 L, 1 D)
Adelaide's disappointing yet equally impressive draw against the Pies means the race for top spot on the ladder is still up for grabs. While they have a four point and 18% buffer on Geelong, a tough draw beginning with this weeks Showdown still leaves Don Pyke's men with a bit of work to do. Eddie Betts' inclusion will give the Crows a boost this week as they still remain favourites to take home the minor premiership.
- Round 20: Port Adelaide (AO)
- Round 21: Essendon (ES)
- Round 22: Sydney (AO)
- Round 23: West Coast (DS)
2. Geelong (12 W, 5 L, 1 D)
The Cats scored an easy win on the weekend however it came at a cost, with superstar Patrick Dangerfield to miss this Friday's blockbuster clash against the Swans through suspension. The return to form of Tom Hawkins was a welcome sight for Cats' fans as they sit six points inside the top four.
A loss this week could seriously jeopardise their top four hopes.
Games to come:
- Round 20: Sydney (SS)
- Round 21: Richmond (SS)
- Round 22: Collingwood (MCG)
- Round 23: GWS (SS)
3. GWS Giants (11 W, 5 L, 2 D)
An ugly win over Fremantle ensured the Giants remained in the top four, however, with Richmond and Port Adelaide coming for their spot, a danger game against the Demons this week looms. Another key injury - Jeremy Cameron sidelined for the next three weeks - puts them in an intriguing position as September nears
Games to come:
- Round 20: Melbourne (UNSW)
- Round 21: Western Bulldogs (ES)
- Round 22: West Coast (SPO)
- Round 23: Geelong (SS)
4. Richmond (12 W, 6 L)
Has there been a better time to be a Tigers supporter in the last 15 years?
A good win over the Suns without Jack Riewoldt ensured the Tigers would remain in the hunt for a top two birth. The next two weeks remain crucial for Damien Hardwick's side: Two wins would make a top two spot a serious possibility, however, two losses would put them right back in the pack.
Games to come:
- Round 20: Hawthorn (MCG)
- Round 21: Geelong (SS)
- Round 22: Fremantle (DS)
- Round 23: St Kilda (MCG)
5. Port Adelaide (11 W, 7 L)
Last week's great escape meant the Power separated themselves from the 6-8 logjam on the ladder, while still keeping them in the hunt for a top four spot. This week's Showdown is arguably the biggest intrastate game in recent memory, with the Power a real chance to enter September on a five-game winning streak, with a good run home.
Games to come:
- Round 20: Adelaide (AO)
- Round 21: Collingwood (AO)
- Round 22: Western Bulldogs (MSB)
- Round 23: Gold Coast (AO)
6. Sydney Swans (10 W, 8 L)
While last week's loss to Hawthorn somewhat slowed the Swans' momentum, a 10-2 record in the last three months is definitely something that cannot be ignored. You can almost guarantee them two wins in the next month with this Friday's clash against a Dangerfield-less Geelong side a barometer for the rest of their season.
Games to come:
- Round 20: Geelong (SS)
- Round 21: Fremantle (SCG)
- Round 22: Adelaide (AO)
- Round 23: Carlton (SCG)
7. Melbourne (10 W, 8 L)
Failure to break their hoodoo against North Melbourne means the Demons' season is in limbo. The Demons should start favourites in the remainder of their games barring this week with a crunch game against the Giants in Canberra on the horizon as Simon Goodwin faces a tough test to lift the Dees into finals football.
Games to come:
- Round 20: GWS (UNSW)
- Round 21: St Kilda (MCG)
- Round 22: Brisbane (MCG)
- Round 23: Collingwood (MCG)
8. West Coast Eagles (10 W, 8 L)
Much like the teams around them, the Eagles are in control of their own destiny. Tough games against GWS and Adelaide are eased by games against the Saints and Carlton. One thing you can be sure of is Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell giving 120% each week in a bid to play finals football one last time as the curtain comes down on a pair of glittering careers.
- Round 20: St Kilda (ES)
- Round 21: Carlton (DS)
- Round 22: GWS (SPO)
- Round 23: Adelaide (DS)
9. Western Bulldogs (9 W, 8 L)
The Dogs produced one of their best performances of the season against the Bombers in a result that gave them their third win on the trot. A percentage-boosting win is required this week if they are to make any meaningful progression up the ladder with a trio of tough games to close the home and a way season.
Games to come:
- Round 20: Brisbane (G)
- Round 21: GWS (ES)
- Round 22: Port Adelaide (MSB)
- Round 23: Hawthorn (ES)
10. Essendon (9 W, 9 L)
John Worsfold rued his side's inaccuracy against the Dogs in a result that could cost the red and black army a September birth. If they are serious about finals football, the Bombers should comfortably win three out of their remaining four games which will give them a sniff if other results fall their way.
Games to come:
- Round 20: Carlton (MCG)
- Round 21: Adelaide (ES)
- Round 22: Gold Coast (MS)
- Round 23: Fremantle (ES)
11. St Kilda (9 W, 9 L)
Their heartbreaking loss last week meant the Saints slipped from being tied with eighth position to being well outside the top eight. Their poor percentage means their finals hopes are hanging by a thread and while the remainder of their games are winnable, they need everything to go their way to send Nick Riewoldt off with some finals action.
Games to come:
- Round 20: West Coast (ES)
- Round 21: Melbourne (MCG)
- Round 22: North Melbourne (ES)
- Round 23: Richmond (MCG)
12. Hawthorn (8 W, 9 L, 1 D)
Hawthorn's win over Sydney kept their finals hopes alive, however, only a near perfect month of August will propel them into September. Tough games against Richmond and the Dogs will make things tricky, but Alistair Clarkson's men have only lost one out of their last six games.
Can they send Luke Hodge off in style?
- Round 20: Richmond (MCG)
- Round 21: North Melbourne (US)
- Round 22: Carlton (ES)
- Round 23: Western Bulldogs (ES)
