AND then there were 10. Just Collingwood and Essendon – who were both bundled out of the top eight last weekend – remain as finals contenders of the teams outside of the eight, in one of the most hotly contested battles for finals spots in the Peter Jackson VFL.
With Geelong already crowned the 2013 minor premiers, Box Hill Hawks and Casey Scorpions locked in to the top four, only Williamstown and Werribee Tigers remain in a battle for the double chance.
Amazingly while still being in top four contention, Werribee can still drop from the top eight if results go against them, as season 2013 is set to go down to the wire.
GEELONG
Will finish top of the ladder, but can influence the finals hopes of Port Melbourne this weekend.
What’s ahead: Port Melbourne (A), Bendigo (A)
BOX HILL HAWKS
Sitting 20% ahead of Werribee, the Hawks have locked in a top four spot. They face the dangerous Coburg this weekend, and then Casey in the final Round – a game that could decide which team receives a home final.
What’s ahead: Coburg Tigers (A), Casey Scorpions (H)
CASEY SCORPIONS
Trail Box Hill by 13% in third spot. Final Round clash with the Hawks will decide where they finish in the top four.
What’s ahead: Bendigo (H), Box Hill Hawks (A)
WILLIAMSTOWN
Williamstown faces a crunch game this weekend versus North Ballarat. Werribee is still a genuine contender for the top four, but a Seagulls win this weekend would close the door to the four. Could still finish second if they win their final two matches, Box Hill is upset by Coburg this weekend, and then Box Hill defeat Casey in the final Round.
What’s ahead: North Ballarat (A), Northern Blues (H)
WERRIBEE TIGERS
The Tigers are relying on Williamstown to drop both their final two games, while recording two wins themselves to make the four. Face tough opposition on the run home, having suffered close defeats to both sides early in the year. One win will guarantee them a finals spot.
What’s ahead: Northern Blues (A), Collingwood (A)
PORT MELBOURNE
Final four hopes were dashed last weekend by Werribee. Now need to focus on recording two wins to book another finals berth, as have had a poor second half of season losing five of their last seven matches. Sit half a game ahead of the pack below them, so percentage will not be a factor, but a loss this weekend will severely dent their finals hopes if Blues, Roosters and Magpies all win.
What’s ahead: Geelong (H), Coburg (A)
NORTHERN BLUES
A healthy percentage helps the Blues sit in seventh spot, and means they hold their fate in their own hands. Two wins will see them book a finals berth, one win and it will come down to the results of the three teams below them and Port. They face the toughest draw of the contenders playing the fifth and fourth placed teams, but did record a 1-1 result early this year against them.
What’s ahead: Werribee (H), Williamstown (A)
NORTH BALLARAT
The Roosters are the form team, having jumped into the top eight for the first time this year after winning six of their last eight matches. With only 2% separating themselves and Collingwood, a win this weekend is crucial against the Seagulls. Could still drop out of the eight on percentage if Collingwood defeats Sandringham, and then will face a thrilling final Round match up with Essendon, as the Magpies face Werribee.
What’s ahead: Williamstown (H), Essendon (A)
COLLINGWOOD
A four game losing streak has seen the Magpies slip out of the top eight last week. Need two wins to be any chance of making the eight, but still could miss out on percentage if Northern Blues and North Ballarat also win. Will be hoping to win this weekend, and have Port Melbourne lose to Geelong, to help take percentage out of the equation.
What’s ahead: Sandringham (A), Werribee (H)
ESSENDON
A late run having won four of their last five games saw the Bombers in finals contention. A loss last weekend to the Hawks could be the result they look back on, as a win would have seen them retain their top eight spot. Tough draw, and need to win both matches to be any chance, plus need to have results fall their way.
What’s ahead: Frankston (H), North Ballarat (H)
Last Modified on 14/08/2013 15:01