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What we say: In what has largely been a humdrum race for the finals, the Magpies’ woes have piqued interest. They appeared a lock for a top-two finish, if not top spot, a month ago. At that point they were 10 premiership points clear at the top. But three defeats from their past four games have sparked concerns about Collingwood wobbling. Smashed in clearances at key stages in a worrying loss to the Lions, and missing Jeremy Howe, the Magpies had their worst performance since opening round. They now have an intimidating fortnight ahead and could slip to fifth. Best case: First. Worst case: Fifth.
Major impact: Jeremy Cameron (left) and Lachie Neale have keys roles to play for the Cats and Lions, respectively.Credit: The Age
What we say: Coach Chris Fagan said he expected his team to rebound after a heavy loss to Gold Coast, and they did just that at the MCG on Saturday night. The Lions should beat Sydney on Saturday and could slip into the top two, but their top-four fate will be decided over the final fortnight of the season with games against fellow premiership contenders. Best case: First. Worst case: Sixth.
What we say: The Magpies’ woes have the Cats ready to pounce on a top-two finish. And their run home could hardly be any friendlier, with all three of their next opponents thinking about next season. Geelong should make this a trifecta of victories, and their top-two hopes will be shaped by the fortunes of the Magpies, Lions and Crows. Secure in the knowledge of at least a top-four finish, they have the luxury of managing their best players, ensuring a healthy list for September. Best case: First. Worst case: Fifth.
That’s where September is: Geelong coach Chris Scott with his star onballer Bailey Smith.Credit: AFL Photos
What we say: The Dockers had to rebound from four goals down at half-time against Carlton to prevail on Sunday, but that’s the type of response they would not have had this time last year. On a four-game tear, they, too, have the double chance within their grasp. We’ll back them in against the Power, but it’s the final fortnight of the season that will tell the tale. Best case: First. Worst case: Ninth.
What we say: A top-four finish, possibly even third, is not out of the question for the Suns, who now appear a lock to make their September debut. We have them winning three, if not all, of their remaining four games. If it’s all four, 17 wins could be enough for the double chance. It will be great to see a fresh face in September action. Best case: Third. Worst case: Eighth.
Look at that: Damien Hardwick has the Suns eyeing their maiden finals campaign.Credit: Getty Images
What we say: It didn’t feel right a fortnight ago that our ladder predictor had the Hawks missing September, but that’s now a distinct possibility, their hopes also hurt by a season-ending injury to Will Day. A strong start against the Crows was wasted, and now comes a must-win clash against Collingwood on Thursday night. Lose, and the round-24 trip to Brisbane – and percentage – may decide all. Best case: Fourth. Worst case: Ninth.
Hawthorn’s Nick Watson is with a four-legged friend here, but it’s the Western Bulldogs who could usurp the Hawks in the top eight.Credit: The Age
What we say: The Giants are suddenly a worry. That was a shocker against the Bulldogs, even if Toby Greene, Jack Buckley and Josh Kelly were absent. While it’s hard to have too much of a crack, for the Giants had won their previous six games, they could yet miss the top eight – on percentage – even if they win two of their last three games. An upset win over Gold Coast in round 23 would solve their problems. Best case: Fourth. Worst case: Ninth.
What we say: The Dogs claimed just their second top-eight scalp of the season on Thursday, thumping the Giants in a pivotal clash. Their avenue to September now opens up, for the Demons and Eagles should be easy kills. Then comes a juicy final-round clash with the Dockers, which could determine – believe it or not – whether they even slip into the top four. The Dogs are all-in on attack and, in Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy, have arguably the in-form, one-two key forward punch in the league. If they continue to fire, watch out. Best case: Third. Worst case: Ninth.
When we completed our first ladder prediction after round 19, we had Hawthorn missing the finals by a game. That was largely based on tipping the Magpies over the Hawks this Thursday, but we have now – albeit cautiously – switched that tip. In another change, we now have Fremantle edging Port Adelaide this weekend. The Suns’ good form, in particular their win over Brisbane, means they could now finish with eight more premiership points than expected – and the double chance. Here is the original prediction.
What we say: In what has largely been a humdrum race for the finals, the Magpies’ woes have piqued interest. They appeared a lock for a top-two finish, if not top spot, a month ago. At that point they were 10 premiership points clear at the top. But three defeats from their past four games have sparked concerns about Collingwood wobbling. Smashed in clearances at key stages in a worrying loss to the Lions, and missing Jeremy Howe, the Magpies had their worst performance since opening round. They now have an intimidating fortnight ahead and could slip to fifth. Best case: First. Worst case: Fifth.
Major impact: Jeremy Cameron (left) and Lachie Neale have keys roles to play for the Cats and Lions, respectively.Credit: The Age
What we say: Coach Chris Fagan said he expected his team to rebound after a heavy loss to Gold Coast, and they did just that at the MCG on Saturday night. The Lions should beat Sydney on Saturday and could slip into the top two, but their top-four fate will be decided over the final fortnight of the season with games against fellow premiership contenders. Best case: First. Worst case: Sixth.
What we say: The Magpies’ woes have the Cats ready to pounce on a top-two finish. And their run home could hardly be any friendlier, with all three of their next opponents thinking about next season. Geelong should make this a trifecta of victories, and their top-two hopes will be shaped by the fortunes of the Magpies, Lions and Crows. Secure in the knowledge of at least a top-four finish, they have the luxury of managing their best players, ensuring a healthy list for September. Best case: First. Worst case: Fifth.
That’s where September is: Geelong coach Chris Scott with his star onballer Bailey Smith.Credit: AFL Photos
What we say: The Dockers had to rebound from four goals down at half-time against Carlton to prevail on Sunday, but that’s the type of response they would not have had this time last year. On a four-game tear, they, too, have the double chance within their grasp. We’ll back them in against the Power, but it’s the final fortnight of the season that will tell the tale. Best case: First. Worst case: Ninth.
What we say: A top-four finish, possibly even third, is not out of the question for the Suns, who now appear a lock to make their September debut. We have them winning three, if not all, of their remaining four games. If it’s all four, 17 wins could be enough for the double chance. It will be great to see a fresh face in September action. Best case: Third. Worst case: Eighth.
Look at that: Damien Hardwick has the Suns eyeing their maiden finals campaign.Credit: Getty Images
What we say: It didn’t feel right a fortnight ago that our ladder predictor had the Hawks missing September, but that’s now a distinct possibility, their hopes also hurt by a season-ending injury to Will Day. A strong start against the Crows was wasted, and now comes a must-win clash against Collingwood on Thursday night. Lose, and the round-24 trip to Brisbane – and percentage – may decide all. Best case: Fourth. Worst case: Ninth.
Hawthorn’s Nick Watson is with a four-legged friend here, but it’s the Western Bulldogs who could usurp the Hawks in the top eight.Credit: The Age
What we say: The Giants are suddenly a worry. That was a shocker against the Bulldogs, even if Toby Greene, Jack Buckley and Josh Kelly were absent. While it’s hard to have too much of a crack, for the Giants had won their previous six games, they could yet miss the top eight – on percentage – even if they win two of their last three games. An upset win over Gold Coast in round 23 would solve their problems. Best case: Fourth. Worst case: Ninth.
What we say: The Dogs claimed just their second top-eight scalp of the season on Thursday, thumping the Giants in a pivotal clash. Their avenue to September now opens up, for the Demons and Eagles should be easy kills. Then comes a juicy final-round clash with the Dockers, which could determine – believe it or not – whether they even slip into the top four. The Dogs are all-in on attack and, in Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy, have arguably the in-form, one-two key forward punch in the league. If they continue to fire, watch out. Best case: Third. Worst case: Ninth.
When we completed our first ladder prediction after round 19, we had Hawthorn missing the finals by a game. That was largely based on tipping the Magpies over the Hawks this Thursday, but we have now – albeit cautiously – switched that tip. In another change, we now have Fremantle edging Port Adelaide this weekend. The Suns’ good form, in particular their win over Brisbane, means they could now finish with eight more premiership points than expected – and the double chance. Here is the original prediction.
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