ROUND 23 – IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS

With multiple teams in contention to sneak into the top eight and a tussle at the top of the table for first, the all-deciding weekend looks to be a very exciting one.

Melbourne and Geelong fight for the minor premiership this weekend at Geelong’s beloved GMHBA stadium. The 2 favourites for the premiership met each other in round 4 when Melbourne handled the Sherrin best and won by 25 points. Adding to Geelong’s concerns, Tom Stewart is out for the finals due to injury, creating a big hole in the lineup. On the other hand, Jeremy Cameron is back and to no ones surprise, kicking plenty of goals. Both teams will want to come out of this one on top to show they are ready for a solid finals campaign. 

@geelongcats

Another stellar match that has fallen perfectly into place is the game between 3rd and 4th, Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs. Port have been on fire recently whereas the Bulldogs suffered a surprising defeat to Hawthorn in round 22, after a loss against the Bombers. The Dogs will want to prove their worth coming into the finals against a team hitting form at a great time. While Port Adelaide have a chance of sneaking into second or even the top of the table with a win.

@pafc

Brisbane Lions and Sydney have solidified the spot in the top 8 with no danger of dropping down the ladder. Sydney have shown their worth in recent weeks with six out of seven wins, while Brisbane has an outside chance of sneaking into the top 4 with a big win over West Coast and a Bulldogs loss. However, West Coast will be doing everything they can to stop that, as they fight for a strongly contested spot in the eight. The Eagles have finished the season poorly and are likely without Tim Kelly for the decisive game.

@sydneyswans

Richmond’s only hope is a round of upsets and losses from Fremantle, Eagles and Essendon and a big percentage boost on their part. It’s close to impossible, especially without Dusty and Captain Cotch. Essendon plays Collingwood, and after a great end to the season, have gained a decent percentage to give themselves a great chance at finals and possibly a finish in 7th. Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett just need to get the Sherrin in Jake Stringer’s hands, where from there, anything is possible.

@essendonfc

For the Dockers, a finals campaign will mean two of Essendon, West Coast or Giants losing, as well as a solid percentage boost in their game against St Kilda this weekend. It’s a tough ask, especially without Nat Fyfe to lead them, however, Serong and Cerra have shown they’ve got what it takes to fill the position. With Fremantle, West Coast and Essendon breathing down their necks, the Giants will need a win to ensure their spot in the finals. The Giants have played great footy towards the end of the season and will look to remain in 7th after a win against Carlton in the final round of the home and away season.

@freodockers

A hotly contested round of footy to come, with it all to play for. Who will come out on top and give themselves a chance at the ultimate prize?