NORTH Melbourne’s decision to rest up to 10 players against Richmond on Friday night could backfire spectacularly if Gold Coast causes a boilover against the Sydney Swans on Saturday night.

Brad Scott insisted on Thursday that the decision will ensure the club enters its finals campaign next week in the best possible shape, a call not without merit if the Roos finish eighth as expected and play the fifth-placed Tigers in a qualifying final.

However, a nightmare trip to Sydney looms if the Roos lose on Friday night and the Suns defy the odds to knock off the Swans, who would drop down to fifth and host the second elimination final at ANZ Stadium.

• Forecast the road to the flag with the AFL Ladder and Finals Predictor

The Kangaroos’ dream finals run ended last year at the same venue, where they were embarrassed by the Swans by 71 points in an uncompetitive performance.

Roos 'can maim Tigers', says Wayne Carey

Although unlikely, several machinations within the top eight are still in play, including the Crows grabbing an unexpected home final:

IF NORTH MELBOURNE BEATS RICHMOND: Adelaide need to win in Geelong to secure a home final, which would most likely be against Richmond. North would most likely play Western Bulldogs in their elimination final.

IF NORTH MELBOURNE LOSES TO RICHMOND: Adelaide will rely on the Bulldogs losing to the last-placed Brisbane Lions for their home final. Otherwise they're off to Melbourne to play the Dogs.

NIGHTMARE ROOS SCENARIO: If Gold Coast pulls off a boilover win over the Sydney Swans, all bets are off. If the Tigers and Suns get up, North Melbourne could head to Sydney where it was dumped out of last year's finals series.