SO YOU'RE TELLING ME THERE'S A CHANCE?...
1. SYDNEY (64 points, 145.1 per cent) - Richmond (SCG), Saturday twilight
Best: 1st
Worst: 6th
If Richmond are able to post a cricket score at the SCG then the Swans could slip out of the top four. More realistically they'll win and host a qualifying final.
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2. ADELAIDE (64, 142.3) - West Coast (AO), Friday night
Best: 1st
Worst: 6th
Must navigate a tricky home clash with the resurgent Eagles to finish in the top two. Could stay in the top four even if they lose but will be relying on other results.
3. GEELONG (64, 137.7) - Melbourne (SS), Saturday afternoon
Best: 1st
Worst: 6th
An upset at the SCG could allow the Cats to snatch the minor premiership. The more pressing concern for Chris Scott will be sealing his side's place in the top four.
4. HAWTHORN (64, 119.3) - Collingwood (MCG), Sunday afternoon
Best: 1st
Worst: 7th
They risk being pitched into a knockout final if they're unable to get the job done against the Magpies. A victory guarantees them a place in the top four.
5. GWS (60, 142.5) - North Melbourne (ES), Saturday night
Best: 1st
Worst: 7th
It's likely the Giants will be facing North in week one of the finals but if any of the top-four sides lose they'll be perfectly placed to capitalise on it.
6. WEST COAST (60, 129.5) - Adelaide (AO), Friday night
Best: 1st
Worst: 7th
If every result goes the Eagles' way and they crush the Crows by 100-plus points then they will finish in the top two and host a qualifying final. That's a pretty big if.
7. WESTERN BULLDOGS (60, 117.4) - Fremantle (DS), Sunday twilight
Best: 4th
Worst: 7th
Geelong, Adelaide and Sydney all have too much of a percentage buffer but they'll be bullish about overtaking the Hawks - if the three-time reigning premiers lose to Collingwood.
8. NORTH MELBOURNE (48, 112.9) - GWS (ES), Saturday night
Best: 8th
Worst: 8th
Have crashed badly since starting the season with a club-record nine straight wins. Can still shape the ladder - especially the Giants' hopes of a top-four berth.
