PORT Adelaide has put its foot in the door for its first finals appearance since 2008.
A musical chairs type arrangement is taking place with just a round to go in the regular season, with Port Adelaide keeping the seat warm at the moment.
Port Adelaide, South Adelaide, West Adelaide and North Adelaide were all vying for the final spot in the five on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the top four were consolidated yesterday as Centrals beat Norwood for the minor premiership.
The Magpies moved into fifth place after handling Glenelg at Brighton Road yesterday - one point clear of the flailing Panthers.
The Panthers had a great opportunity to consolidate their spot in the five but fell to then eighth placed North Adelaide.
The Roosters remarkably, after being just one spot out of the cellar now have the chance to play finals footy with just one round to go.
West Adelaide continued their skid, having lost 9 out of the last 10 and dropped into eighth place - but can still play finals.
The Bloods probably wish they could find some of this year’s early form.
Glenelg, who is locked in at four and has the bye next weekend, will be looking forward to finding out who they will play in a do or die elimination final Sunday week.
West play bottom placed Sturt on Friday night where a win will place them equal with Port Adelaide in fifth but behind on percentage.
West Adelaide will need a big win and rely on losses to Port, South and North in order to make finals.
North Adelaide perhaps will have the toughest time as they take on the minor premiers at Elizabeth, but a win and losses to Port and South could mean they finish in the five.
The Panthers take on Norwood at The Parade and the Magpies face the Eagles at Alberton on Saturday afternoon.
A win to either team and a loss to the other will confirm their place in the finals.
A win to South will confirm their place in the finals thanks to a handy draw to Glenelg back in Round 10.
Port Adelaide are in the best position entering the final round with all teams vying for the last final’s spot facing real challenges in Round 23.
It is entirely conceivable that all four teams lose and the ladder stands.
However, the musical chairs will continue for another week, with just the one chair left for four players.
Port Adelaide look poised to stay seated.
