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.
St Kilda
The Saints have shot back into finals contention after winning their past three-games, including a big win over premiership fancies in Brisbane. They are in good form, but will have to overcome a poor percentage of 86.9% if they want to make the finals.
Remaining schedule: [Fifth easiest run home]
- Round 18 - Home vs Port Adelaide
- Round 19 - Away vs West Coast
- Round 20 - Home vs Carlton
- Round 21 - Away vs Sydney
- Round 22 - Away vs Geelong
- Round 23 - Home vs Fremantle
The Saints have a tough run home and I can see them winning against Carlton and Fremantle, but with five of the six opponents that they face already residing in the eight, as well as their poor percentage, I can't see them making the finals.
Verdict: Won't make finals
