CARLTON gave its finals hopes a huge jolt with a victory over Gold Coast that was more impressive than the scoreboard suggested, although a tough run home from this week now looms large.
The Blues have little margin for error in the race to claim a wildcard spot with the Lions up next and the Dockers to come in the last round with the Saints and Bulldogs sandwiched in between.
BLUES v LIONS Follow it LIVE
Brisbane continued on its merry way towards a double chance and perhaps even a pair of home finals as it toyed with Port Adelaide for a half before blowing it away with a 14-goal blitz after the main break.
The Lions have won seven consecutive matches by an average 43 points and appear to be the second-most in-form side at the moment with the Blues, Hawks, Suns and Pies to come.
Carlton v Brisbane at Marvel Stadium, 7.40pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
Harry McKay returns in a big boost for Carlton but it has lost Nic Newman to a hamstring injury, while the Lions bring in star recruit Oscar Allen alongside Keidean Coleman and Bruce Reville, while Ty Gallop is out suspended, Dayne Zorko managed and James Tunstill omitted.
Port Adelaide v Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval, 6.05pm ACST
NO LATE CHANGES
POWER v GIANTS Full match coverage and stats
St Kilda v Sydney at Marvel Stadium, 1.05pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
SAINTS v SWANS Full match coverage and stats
Hawthorn v North Melbourne at UTAS Stadium, 1.35pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
HAWKS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats
