Run home to the AFL finals

THE RUN HOME FOR AFL FINALS CONTENDERS

1. SYDNEY (64 points, 145.1 per cent) - Richmond (SCG), Saturday twilight

On top and should end the season there with a home match against 13th-placed Richmond.

2. ADELAIDE (64, 142.3) - West Coast (AO), Friday night

Must navigate a tricky clash with the resurgent Eagles to snare the home qualifying final.

3. GEELONG (64, 137.7) - Melbourne (SS), Saturday afternoon

The Demons have lost their edge with finals no longer on the line. Cats should do it easy.

4. HAWTHORN (64, 119.3) - Collingwood (MCG), Sunday afternoon

Have ceded their top spot but can sew up the double chance against Collingwood.

5. GWS (60, 142.5) - North Melbourne (ES), Saturday night

Without a top-four slip-up, this could be an elimination final preview.

6. WEST COAST (60, 129.5) - Adelaide (AO), Friday night

Beaten two finalists in the past two and play another in round 23. Win or lose, good preparation.

7. WESTERN BULLDOGS (60, 117.4) - Fremantle (DS), Sunday twilight

Surely won't slip up in Perth if a home final's on the line, which it will be if Adelaide win.

8. NORTH MELBOURNE (48, 112.9) - GWS (ES), Saturday night

An eighth-straight loss against finals-bound opponents to Sydney and look to be making up the numbers.

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9. ST KILDA (44, 92.5) - Brisbane Lions (ES), Sunday night

Should North Melbourne lose, the Saints will know the three-figure margin they'll need to win by to make finals. They just won't be able to do it.

Key: AO-Adelaide Oval, DS-Domain Stadium, ES-Etihad Stadium, MCG-Melbourne Cricket Ground, SS-Simonds Stadium, SCG-Sydney Cricket Ground.