8. Western Bulldogs

44 points (11 wins, 10 losses), 105.6 per cent
An impressive win over the Giants saw the Dogs claim eighth position ahead of next week's monster clash against Adelaide in Ballarat. Beat the Crows and they will play in September for the first time since their famous flag of 2016, and could finish as high as seventh. If they lose, Port Adelaide, Hawthorn or Adelaide could possibly steal the last spot in the finals. - Adam Curley

The run home
R23: Adelaide @ Mars Stadium

9. Hawthorn

40 points (10 wins, 11 losses), 106.6 per cent
At the end of round 15, the Hawks were 5-9 after losing four on the trot and faced what seemed an insurmountable challenge in their bid to make finals, with all but Sunday's clash with Gold Coast against sides that were comfortably inside the top eight or had legitimate ambitions to make it. Now, making September is within Hawthorn's grasp. However, the challenge confronting it is brutally difficult – going on the road to take on West Coast. It's going to take a monumental effort, but there's a reason Alastair Clarkson is considered a master coach. It would be foolish to write off his side's chances. - Dinny Navaratnam

The run home
R23: West Coast @ Optus Stadium

10. Adelaide

40 points (10 wins, 11 losses), 103.0 per cent
The Crows are limping their way to the finals, having won just two of their past eight games. They don't deserve to be there, but a win against the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat next Sunday could incredibly have the Crows featuring in September. However, they might also have to nervously wait until the final game of the home and away season for the result of Port Adelaide's game with Fremantle, with percentage likely to come into the equation. - Lee Gaskin

The run home
R23: Western Bulldogs @ Mars Stadium

11. Port Adelaide

40 points (10 wins, 11 losses), 103.0 per cent
That was a horrific night at the office against the Kangaroos on Saturday. The Power lost six per cent in the 86-point hammering – against a club it had beaten five straight times – and stumbled out of the top eight in the process. Port must beat the Dockers in the final round to make the finals, but that scenario also relies on West Coast defeating Hawthorn, and Adelaide accounting for the Western Bulldogs. On top of that, Ken Hinkley's team will have to win by more than Adelaide does over the Dogs in the clash earlier on the same day. - Marc McGowan

The run home
R23: Fremantle @ Adelaide Oval