1. (2) RICHMOND
Secured their status as the hottest team in the competition with a strong final round win over the previously high flying Lions. Have the second chance but will need to travel in the first week of their finals campaign.
LAST FIVE: Coll (W), Melb (W), Carl (W), WCE (W), BL (W).
2. (1) BRISBANE
Tasted defeat for the first time in months when they fell to the Tigers at the MCG in the final round. They don’t have long to wait for the opportunity for revenge though, as they host Richmond in the first week of the finals at the Gabba.
LAST FIVE: Haw (W), WB (W), Gee (W), Rich (L).
3. (4) COLLINGWOOD
Have overcome a consistent injury list all year to grab an unlikely second chance in the finals. While they needed results to fall their way in the final round but in winning their last four fixtures they more than earned some luck falling their way.
LAST FIVE: Rich (L), GC (W), Melb (W), Ade (W), Ess (W).
4. (5) WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs looked unlikely finalists when they fell to the Saints six weeks ago but since that time they have overcome two fellow finalists and a virtual elimination final to book their return to September action.
LAST FIVE: Fre (W), BL (L), Ess (W), GWS (W), Ade (W).
5. (3) WEST COAST
It has been a sharp fall for the Eagles who have missed the top four despite having genuine minor premiership claims entering Round 22. It means they will need to overcome the Bombers at home and three interstate trips if they are to claim back to back premierships.
LAST FIVE: NM (W), Carl (W), Ade (W), Rich (L), Haw (L).
6. (6) GEELONG
Claimed the Minor Premiership with a dominant victory over the Blues in Geelong but have looked a long way from their best for some time now and genuine questions remain about their premiership credentials.
LAST FIVE: Syd (W), Fre (L), NM (W), BL (L), Carl (W).
7. (7) HAWTHORN
While it mightn’t have been enough to see the Hawks force their way into the Finals but their last round victory over West Coast did leaving a lasting impact on a number of team’s premiership hopes.
LAST FIVE: BL (L), NM (L), GWS (W), GC (W), WCE (W).
8. (10) GWS
The Giants did what they pleased against the Suns in the final round of the season but face a sterner test in their Elimination Final date with the in-form Bulldogs.
LAST FIVE: PA (W), Syd (W), Haw (L), WB (L), GC (W).
9. (8) CARLTON
Were taught a lesson in their final round match against the Cats but there is still plenty to like about the Blues back half of 2019.
LAST FIVE: Ade (W), WCE (L), Rich (L), StK (W), Gee (L).
make way for Steve Smith’s return in the Fourth Test.
10. (9) ESSENDON
A trip west in the first week of the finals would not have been Essendon’s wish list at the start of Round 23, but it still presents them with an opportunity to record their first finals victory in 15 years.
LAST FIVE: GC (W), PA (L), WB (L), Fre (W), Coll (L).
11. (12) NORTH MELBOURNE
A thrilling victory over the Dees brought the curtain down on a mixed bag of a 2019 season for the Kangaroos. What will 2020 hold in store after a full pre-season under new coach Rhys Shaw.
LAST FIVE: WCE (L), Haw (W), Gee (L), PA (W), Melb (W).
12. (13) PORT ADELAIDE
Their best is good, their worst is terrible and the latter is the reason they are watching on while the premiership is decided over the next month.
LAST FIVE: GWS (L), Ess (W), Syd (W), NM (L), Fre (W).
13. (16) SYDNEY
The Swans were able to finish the season on a high, as they celebrated the career of a number of club greats with a last round victory over the Saints. Still a bit of work to do before they are in a position to contend again in 2020 and beyond.
LAST FIVE: Gee (L), GWS (L), PA (L), Melb (W), StK (W).
14. (11) ST KILDA
A disappointing fortnight to end a roller coaster of a season for the Saints. There is no question on the effort from this team, but it can’t make up for a genuine lack of class and polish.
LAST FIVE: Melb (W), Ade (L), Fre (W), Carl (L), Syd (L).
15. (14) FREMANTLE
Hard to believe that their victory over Geelong a few weeks ago offered them a genuine shot at a finals berth. In the end it was the only brief bright spot in the final five weeks of a long season.
LAST FIVE: WB (L), Gee (W), StK (L), Ess (L), PA (L).
16. (15) ADELAIDE
It was a disastrous end to the season for the Crows, managing just two wins from their last nine games to surrender all hope of a return to September.
LAST FIVE: Carl (L), StK (W), WCE (L), Coll (L), WB (L).
17. (17) MELBOURNE
Will 2020 prove this year or last to be the aberration?
LAST FIVE: StK (L), Rich (L), Coll (L), Syd (L), NM (L).
18. (18) GOLD COAST
After 18 straight losses, Mad Monday is likely to be the only positive for the Suns from their last four and half months of effort.
LAST FIVE: Carl (L), Ess (L), Coll (L), Haw (L), GWS (L).
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