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.
West Coast
The West Coast Eagles have hit a major form slump since the conclusion of the bye rounds, with the Perth powerhouse getting smashed by the Western Bulldogs at home, by Sydney at Kardinia Park, before losing to the current wooden spooners in North Melbourne by 10-points at home.
Remaining schedule: [third easiest run home]
- Round 18 - Away vs Adelaide
- Round 19 - Home vs St. Kilda
- Round 20 - Away vs Collingwood
- Round 21 - Home vs Melbourne
- Round 22 - Away vs Fremantle
- Round 23 - Away vs Brisbane
Their current form suggests that they won't remain in the eight much longer, but they have such great talent across their squad that they are capable of turning things around quick.
I believe they will win at least three more games against St. Kilda, Collingwood and Fremantle, and are every chance to beat Adelaide, but they do struggle away from home.
Verdict: Will make finals in eighth
