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.

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Essendonย 

The Bombers have been an exciting team to watch this season, and are a dark horse to make the finals. Will need to win most games from here to make the finals, however, they have the ability to do it.

Remaining schedule: [Easiest run home]

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: Jake Stringer of the Bombers celebrates a goal with Darcy Parish of the Bombers during the 2021 AFL Round 03 match between the Essendon Bombers and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on April 03, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Bombers have the easiest run home out of all the teams vying for position in the eight, and they have the capabilities to win all of these games. They'll have to win at least five of the six games and hope for results to go their way with the teams around them on the ladder.

Verdict: Will make finals in seventh

 

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