NORTH Melbourne’s decision to rest nine players against Richmond has ensured it will finish eighth, but a Melbourne final between the two teams next weekend won't be locked in until Saturday night.

As they look to win their first final in 14 years, the Tigers could still finish in the top four, or slide as low as sixth depending on other results this weekend.

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

Brad Scott demanded an apology from critics who doubted the Kangaroos’ intent to win on Friday night, but they still lost to the Tigers by 41 points and are almost certain to face Richmond in an elimination final. 

Match report: Tigers turn it around

A nightmare trip to Sydney looms, however, if Gold Coast defies the odds to knock off the Swans, who would drop down to fifth and host the second elimination final at ANZ Stadium.

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

Click here for the AFL Finals Hub

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

IF ADELAIDE BEATS GEELONG: The Crows can climb to sixth and stay there, but only if the Western Bulldogs lose to the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night.

IF ADELAIDE LOSES TO GEELONG: The Crows will finish seventh and face either the Western Bulldogs or Richmond in Melbourne in an elimination final.

IF THE BULLDOGS BEAT THE LIONS: Should the Dogs win by more 100 points and then some, they could jump to fifth and host the Kangaroos in an elimination final. If they win by less than 100 points, they will host the Crows.

IF THE BULLDOGS LOSE TO THE LIONS: They will travel to Adelaide to face the Crows, if Adelaide beats Geelong. They would host Adelaide if the Crows lost to Geelong.  

IF THE SYDNEY SWANS BEAT GOLD COAST: They would almost certainly finish fourth and face Fremantle in the first qualifying final. They'd remain the slimmest chance to host a preliminary final if Hawthorn lost to Carlton and West Coast lost to St Kilda in massive boilovers.

MILLION-TO-ONE SCENARIO: If Gold Coast pulls off a boilover 100-point win against the Sydney Swans, the Swans could drop to sixth and host Adelaide at ANZ Stadium, if the Crows lost to Geelong.