You can smell it, can't you?

The days have grown longer and the flowers may be blooming, but these signifiers of Spring are all inconsequential to the footballing fanatic.

With the temperature rising, realistically and metaphorically, and the pretenders now separated from the contenders, it can only mean one thing - finals football.

Sure, in a standard season we would only be days away from a do or die clash in front of a packed house at the MCG, but 2020 has proven that tried and true recipes are not to be regarded.

Even though the frenetic home and away season has rounded the bend and passed the post, the job is still ahead of eight clubs in their hunt for the 'Covid Cup'.

With a week off before the season's after party begins, each of the octet of coaches who have received invitations still have chores to perform before the champagne corks can be cracked

From the eighth seed to there first, here are the 2020 premiership contender's โ€˜to do lists'.

5.
West Coast

The Eagles are yet another team producing performances at the consistency of a dial up internet connection.

In the comforts of their craypot home ground, West Coast have amassed an unbeaten 7-0 record this season. Although when asked to spread their wings for the sunshine state, they have won only five of ten.
For a team that not only netted a flag just two years ago, but should also be adept at regularly living and winning away from home, this is well below par.

With the announcement that the grand final will be played in Queensland, due in no small part to WA premier Mark McGowan's stringent border controls, the Eagles will have to learn to produce their best away from Perth.

Although finishing fifth has allowed for the Eagles to play an elimination final at home, they will need to find a way to succeed in the sunshine state. Their wins over St. Kilda and North Melbourne (both truly microcosmic representations of their time in Queensland this season) were a start, but the trend must continue.

Simpson will also need to find an option to aide Tom Barrass down back during Jeremy McGovern's absence.