Richmond needs an unlikely series of results to fall its way if it is to play finals, but first has to get over Fremantle at the MCG. It's a danger game for the Tigers against the improving Freo. Port Adelaide and Melbourne have only pride to play for after dismal seasons. A loss for the Demons will almost certainly mean they will take the wooden spoon, with the consolation of the No. 1 pick in the NAB AFL Draft.
Eleventh-placed Carlton retains the faintest of finals' hopes, and travels to Brisbane to meet the Lions, who sit one place above them on the ladder. The Blues cannot afford a loss, but defeat could prove devastating for the Lions' prospects. Collingwood and the Sydney Swans are two of the five teams battling for fourth spot and the double chance. Their clash at Telstra Dome on Saturday night will be a last-man standing affair.
All-conquering Geelong is at home to a surging North Melbourne in the match of the round. Can the Kangaroos become only the second team to beat the Cats this season? It's unlikely, but North is in outstanding form and if Geelong is even slightly off the boil, an upset is a real chance. St Kilda and Adelaide shapes as season-defining for both clubs – a St Kilda win will almost certainly keep them in the eight with a round to go; a Crows victory will keep them in the running for fourth place.
Like the Bulldogs, Hawthorn is struggling for form at the wrong time, but they should be able to get over the top of West Coast at Subiaco. The sub-plot is whether Buddy Franklin can kick the six goals he needs to reach 100 for the season.
