As we continue our pursuit of a finals position, there's now only six things left standing in our way. Let's take a look at how our remaining six opponents have faired over the past month, to see what kind of challenge is coming....
Read: The run home ladder predictor - take 2
Round 18 vs Carlton
Etihad Stadium
Last five games: L L L L L
The Blues have struggled all season, but their worst form of the year has come over the last five weeks. Their past two losses have come at the hands of St Kilda and Brisbane, who both beat the Blues by over ten goals. Their offensive game has been almost non-existent, averaging just 56.2 points per game over the period.
Finals chances: Zero
The Blues were out of finals contention a long time ago.
Best performer: Patrick Cripps
Cripps has been outstanding this season and a rare bright light on an otherwise grim year. The 23-year old leads the competition in contested possession and figures as the next leader as Carlton hurriedly usher in a new era.
Round 19 vs Fremantle
Optus Stadium
Last five games: W W L L W
Fremantle’s form over the last five weeks is difficult to get a read on. Impressive wins over Adelaide and Port Adelaide have been soured by big losses to Brisbane and Melbourne. Their best form seems capable of matching it with finals contenders but their season can be summed up by their inconsistency.
Finals chances: Very unlikely.
Only the most passionate believers would consider Fremantle’s finals chances still alight. They currently sit just two wins outside the eight but their percentage is well down on those others in line for a finals berth.
Best performer: Nat Fyfe
Nat Fyfe has been back to his Brownlow Medal form of 2015. Fyfe is averaging 28.8 disposals per game and 16.3 contested possessions per game, second to Cripps. The captain has missed three games across the season but he has undoubtedly been his club’s most influential player in 2018.
Round 20 vs Essendon
MCG
Last five games: W W W L W
After winning just four of their first 11 games, the Bombers’ last five weeks have overturned what was quickly turning into a year of disappointment. A win over the Eagles in the west kick started a strong run of form that has also included wins over North Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
Finals chances: Tough
The Dons’ slow start to the year has forced an uphill battle if they are to make finals but it is still a possibility. They are currently a win outside the eight and, with a lot of percentage to make up, the Bombers would want to be winning almost every game on their run home to be a sniff.
Best performer: Zach Merrett
Seemingly the form barometer for his side, Merrett’s season started shakily but has come back in a big way in recent weeks. Over the past five rounds, the 22-year old has averaged 32.2 possessions, 5.2 clearances and 6.8 tackles. The reigning All Australian is a premiere midfielder of the competition and his rich vein of form will have to continue if the Bombers are any chance of going anywhere in September.
Round 21 vs Geelong
MCG
Last five games: W L L W L
The Cats have failed to capitalise on top four opportunities in recent weeks, having recorded losses to the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide in the past three weeks.
Finals chances: You’d think so.
It’s hard to see the Cats missing finals considering the cast of stars they boast but it will certainly be line-ball if they aren’t able to convert wins in the final month and a half of the year. This match figures as a blockbuster in deciding what those final spots in the eight look like.
Best performer: Patrick Dangerfield
Dangerfield has again been a dominant force for the Cats in 2018. His disposal numbers may have taken a slight hit with the addition of Gary Ablett Jnr to their star-studded on-ball brigade but the 2016 Brownlow Medallist remains one of the most potent game-changers in the competition.
Round 22 vs St Kilda
Etihad Stadium
Last five games: L W W L W
After winning one of their 10 games to kick off the season, the Saints have enjoyed an improved last five weeks with three victories. Impressive consecutive two-point wins over the Suns and the Demons were among the year’s highlights for the developing Saints squad.
Finals chances: Not this year.
Ultimately, the Saints have proven to be a while off the pace of a finals contender this year. Despite many tipping 2018 to be the year the Saints re-entered finals calculations, such projections have proven to be at least somewhat premature.
Best performer: Jack Steven
Steven continues to churn out strong seasons for the Saints. Leading a young midfield area, the 28-year old is averaging 27.1 possessions and 5.6 clearances this year. The strong-bodied midfielder still figures as the Saints’ key player for a while yet.
Round 23 vs Sydney
SCG
Last five games: W W L L W
Consecutive losses in Rounds 15 and 16 to Richmond and Geelong have challenged the Swans’ top four aspirations. In a battle with Port Adelaide and Melbourne for that last double chance on offer, the Swans could drop out of their current fourth position or just as easily finish in the top two.
Finals chances: They’ll be there.
The Swans will be playing finals in 2018, it is simply a question of what position they will be entering the finals series in. The final month of the year will be a big test with games against Collingwood, Melbourne and GWS before their final home and away season game against the Hawks.
Best performer: Isaac Heeney
As per usual, the Swans have an array of talent that has shared the load in another strong season under John Longmire. But Heeney has emerged as a genuine A-grade talent this season, spending his time between the midfield and forward line. The 22-year old is averaging 21.5 disposals, 4.9 tackles and just under a goal a game this season and is undoubtedly one of the stars of the future.
