GEE that happened fast. All of a sudden there are only four weeks left of the regular season in AFL circles. In yet another tight season there is still plenty left to determine, but for some teams there might not be any point bothering. I have used some very technical terminology to categorise each teams premiership chances in arguably the most Australian way possible. In no particular order…

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Yeah, Nah

• St Kilda Saints
• Essendon Bombers
• Brisbane Lions
• Western Bulldogs 
• Gold Coast Suns
• North Melbourne Kangaroos
• Fremantle Dockers
• Adelaide Crows
• Carlton Blues

OBVIOUSLY the bottom third of the league purely from a mathematical point of view can’t be premiers. Adelaide’s L to Melbourne ended their chances and North just isn’t polished enough for mine to seriously challenge, even though they touched up West Coast last weekend. James Hird thinks Essendon will win the flag if they qualify for finals. James Hird has also made claims before that were proven to be false. Let’s move on.

Yeah?

• Greater Western Sydney Giants
• Hawthorn Hawks
• Melbourne Demons

Image from foxsports.com.au

FULL disclosure I have been very vocal about my lack of faith in the Giants. Their recent form is making me eat my words and they should make it four straight victories against Carlton this week. Injuries to a few keys guys mean they will be underdone in the finals even if they manage to come back from their injury woes. The depth of GWS has always been a concern for me and it could come hurt them big time in 2018. Hawthorn doesn’t have enough match-winners to really push deep into Septemeber, although they should qualify for the top-8. Finally, Melbourne, well they will just be happy to make it into September! They might end their finals drought this year, but I can’t see them channelling Cinderella.

Yeah, Nah, Yeah

• Collingwood Magpies
• Geelong Cats
• Sydney Swans

THEY still have to convince me they are the real deal, but this trio could all realistically go on a run to win the flag. Sydney is in this spot because they are Sydney and can never really be counted out. They haven’t looked great recently though and this weekend’s game with the Magpies could ruin their premiership chances. Speaking of Collingwood, the health of their key guys will really determine how much of a push they can make. A lot of their young guns have stepped up in patches and if they fire consistently it will boost the Pies chances. That’s a big ask for some unproven players though.

I flagged (pun intended) Geelong at the start of the year as my tip to go all the way and at times they have helped support my claim. At other times this season, they have looked like a shell of their best side. If I was a betting man I’d back the Cats in out of the three teams in this section to make a serious push, given their run home and the state of their injury list. Geelong will need to deliver right away with a mouthwatering clash against the Tigers on Friday night.

Image from afl.com.au

Hell Yeah

• Richmond Tigers
• Port Adelaide Power
• West Coast Eagles

THOSE same Tigers are widely considered as the favourites, looking to go back-to-back after breaking through last season with a famous flag. They have thwarted almost every test that has come their way and are playing like an intimidating and galvanised unit right now. Of course, it only takes one bad game for things to go pear-shaped, and don’t think for a second that they aren’t mortal. Ken Hinkley’s men are doing their best to cling on to a top-4 spot as well, one that I think they will get. Securing the double chance would be huge for Port, especially because it guarantees them at least on home final.

CONSIDERING the amount of travel they have to do, they are tied for the third most interstate wins as well, so they can perhaps take their show on the road come finals. Finally, it pains me to write this, but the West Coast Eagles might actually be in the box seat to win another flag at the moment.  By no means are they clicking at the minute, but you don’t want to be playing your best football in July and August. Much like the Pies, injury issues to their stars could dictate how far they go, but as long as Josh Kennedy is in the forward line (West Coast is 10-1 with Kennedy in the lineup this season) then the Eagles should play a big role in September.

FINAL RANKINGS

LET’S be honest, in one of the tightest races for a spot inside the eight, plenty of movement is still on the horizon in the next month. Don’t rule out a top-4 side plummeting or someone doing the reverse and capitulating up the standings. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t do some form of final ranking to order all 18 teams. Above the line means I think they stand a chance, below the line. Well, better luck in 2019.

1. Richmond Tigers
2. West Coast Eagles
3. Port Adelaide Power
4. Geelong Cats
5. Sydney Swans
6. Collingwood Magpies

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• Greater Western Sydney Giants
• Hawthorn Hawks
• Melbourne Demons
• Essendon Bombers
• Adelaide Crows
• North Melbourne Kangaroos
• Brisbane Lions
• St Kilda Saints
• Western Bulldogs
• Fremantle Dockers
• Gold Coast Suns
• Carlton Blues

Peace ✌