IT'S ALL set up for a blockbuster final round of the 2021 season.
Geelong and Melbourne face off for the minor premiership, while third-placed Port Adelaide could still pinch the McClelland Trophy with a big win against the Bulldogs, who could drop as low as fifth.
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
At the other end of the top eight, four teams are still fighting it out to secure the last two finals berths, while the most one-eyed of Richmond fans will still be hoping for a late-August miracle.
Check out the run home for all the contenders below, then jump on AFL.com.au's Ladder Predictor to tip the remaining games and see who has to win to make it.
Carlton, Hawthorn, Gold Coast, Collingwood, Adelaide, and North Melbourne have not been considered. All venues are as scheduled and subject to change.
NINE THINGS WE LEARNED The missing star who could cost Cats dearly
The 10: Round 22's best moments
Watch all the best highlights from a fantastic round of football
1. Melbourne
66 points (16 wins, one draw, four losses), 132.3 per cent
The Demons haven't finished a regular season on top of the ladder in 57 years, but now know they can clinch a first minor premiership since 1964 by defeating Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in the final round. In fact a draw against the Cats may be enough for the Dees to finish top, should Port Adelaide also win and not make up too much percentage in their final-round clash against the Western Bulldogs. A loss will see Simon Goodwin's side drop to at least second, while they could also finish third should they lose and Port Adelaide defeats the Bulldogs. - Jonathan Healy
The run home
R23: Geelong @ GMHBA Stadium
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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01:00
Brilliant ball movement sets up McAdam's goal
The Crows' overlap ball movement gives them their first goal against the Dees
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01:19
Big Benny has two in the first quarter
Ben Brown continues his good form for the Dees, with two goals so far against the Crows
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00:36
Hamstring injury ends Crows forward's day
Elliot Himmelberg's day ends after injuring his hamstring in the early minutes of the game against the Dees
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00:45
Fancy footwork from Fritsch gives Dees early second-quarter start
Bayley Fritsch dances around Crows defenders to kick his first for the game
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01:05
Crows kick three early in a third-quarter comeback
Darcy Fogarty, Lachie Murphy and Shane McAdam narrow the lead to three points in a great second-half start
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00:24
Kelly comes off second-best in nasty collision with Fritsch
Jake Kelly and Bayley Fritsch collide in the goalsquare, with a concussion concern for the Crow
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00:46
Jackson takes a one-hander and extends Dees' margin
Luke Jackson shows his class with this mark, and finishes to perfection
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07:40
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03:48
Bayley's bag of seven
Bayley Fritsch proved unstoppable against the Crows, with his decorated bag of seven majors
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10:14
'We know we have got to keep getting better': Goodwin
Watch Melbourne's press conference after round 22's match against Adelaide
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10:32
'There were some really good signs from us': Nicks
Watch Adelaide's press conference after round 22's match against Melbourne
2. Geelong
64 points (16 wins, five losses), 128.6 per cent
Geelong has now locked in an incredible eighth top-four finish in coach Chris Scott's 11-year reign, having only completely missed finals once in that time. A win over Melbourne in a blockbuster final-round clash could sew up the minor premiership, although a Port Adelaide win over the suddenly shaky Western Bulldogs could bring percentage into the mix. The Cats were able to cover the loss of Tom Stewart against St Kilda, but Melbourne is a different prospect altogether. - Sarah Black
The run home
R23: Melbourne @ GMHBA Stadium
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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01:27
Players stand together against racism
A touching pre-game moment as players and officials huddle as one to help combat racism
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00:59
Towering King doing just about everything
Max King is imposing himself on the contest early with three strong marks to go alongside his assists and goal
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00:46
Snappy Saints slip through the Cats
The Saints continue their charge with another great goal through Tim Membrey
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00:47
Jumping Jezza makes his move
Jeremy Cameron has made his impact felt in his return game with a couple of handy goals in the second
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00:38
Crouch coming up big with two
Brad Crouch shows another his side to his game with two important goals in the third
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00:47
Hawkins helps himself to a crucial major
Tom Hawkins keeps his feet and gets rewarded, slotting a timely snap before the final break
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00:18
Could Danger find himself in hot water?
Patrick Dangerfield is penalised for this high contact on Brad Crouch
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00:33
Saint defender subbed following Tomahawk tackle
St Kilda has been forced to sub out Darragh Joyce after this incident with Tom Hawkins
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07:41
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13:18
Scott demands AFL to make call on pre-finals bye
Watch Geelong's press conference after round 22's match against St Kilda
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10:03
Ratten on King: 'He was playing some fantastic footy'
Watch St Kilda's press conference after round 22's match against Geelong
3. Port Adelaide
64 points (16 wins, five losses), 127.3 per cent
Port Adelaide's emphatic victory over Carlton on Saturday locked away a top-four berth and closed a sizeable percentage gap on Geelong to just 1.3 per cent. Now, next week's clash with the Western Bulldogs will decide just how high up the ladder it finishes. If it doesn't win, it's looking at a road trip to Victoria for a qualifying final. If it manages to secure a victory on the road, then a shot at a home final at the Adelaide Oval potentially beckons. The destiny of Ken Hinkley's side is in its own hands. - Riley Beveridge
The run home
R23: Western Bulldogs @ Marvel Stadium
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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00:51
Last-gasp Marshall boot finds the middle
Todd Marshall puts through Port's first goal of the game thanks to this handy piece of footwork on the goal line
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00:57
Honey explodes with back-to-back goals
Josh Honey has booted two majors in a row to extend Carlton's lead
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01:00
Marshall's stellar snap stems the flow
Todd Marshall found himself in the thick of the action again thanks to this brilliant snap finding the middle
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00:56
Power class on display with Rozee sizzler
Connor Rozee oozed class with this sensational dribble goal
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00:52
Dixon continues onslaught with two in a row
Charlie Dixon has continued his side's total domination with back-to-back goals during the final term
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06:55
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12:56
'It doesn't help ... I understand that': Teague addresses his coaching future
Watch Carlton's full press conference after round 22's match against Port Adelaide
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02:03
'It wasn't worth the risk': Hinkley on subbing off Lycett after knee injury
Watch Port Adelaide's press conference after round 22's match against Carlton
4. Western Bulldogs
60 points (15 wins, six losses), 134.5 per cent
What a difference two weeks can make. A fortnight ago, the Dogs looked a serious chance to claim the minor premiership for the first time in their history. Now, after suffering successive losses for the first time this season, Luke Beveridge's men have dropped down to fourth spot. It sets up an intriguing final-round clash with an in-form Port Adelaide outfit that has won five of its past six games. The Dogs simply need to win – and hope the Demons beat the Cats – if they want to finish top two and secure a home qualifying final. On the other hand, the Bulldogs risk falling out of the top four altogether if they lose and Brisbane wins its final game by enough to overtake them on percentage. - Luke Michael
The run home
R23: Port Adelaide @ Marvel Stadium
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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00:45
Frost's fiery free-kick gives Weightman first goal
Sam Frost gives Cody Weightman an easy goal, for Bulldogs' first goal of the game
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00:50
Baz's fumble gives Big Boy McEvoy his 100th career goal
Ben McEvoy kicks his 100th career goal in style
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00:24
Cordy could come under scrutiny for this tackle
Jacob Koschitzke hits the deck hard after this tackle from Zaine Cordy
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00:14
Young flies high and takes a ripping mark
Lewis Young inspires the Dogs' quiet first half with an amazing mark
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01:18
Forward duo kick goals early to give the Dogs the lead
Cody Weightman and Aaron Naughton kick a goal each to build the Dogs' momentum
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06:47
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09:00
Clarko: We're well-positioned for next year
Watch Hawthorn's press conference after round 22's match against the Western Bulldogs
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08:11
Beveridge: We didn't look anywhere near our best
Watch Western Bulldog's press conference after round 22's match against Hawthorn
5. Brisbane
56 points (14 wins, seven losses), 132.7 per cent
The door is still ajar for the Lions to squeeze into the crucial top four after the Western Bulldogs slipped up against Hawthorn at the weekend. The equation for the Lions is simple – sort of. Firstly, they need Port Adelaide to beat the shaky Bulldogs and then they can draw level on points with the Dogs by defeating West Coast at the Gabba. The final part of the puzzle is making up the 1.8 percentage points they trail the Bulldogs by, which two relatively close margins should take care of. If the Bulldogs beat Port though, Brisbane will play an elimination final regardless of its final-round result against the Eagles. - Michael Whiting
The run home
R23: West Coast @ Gabba
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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00:46
Thomas gives Pies red-hot start
Josh Thomas' early snap has given his side the perfect start against the Lions
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00:55
Charlie on fire early and brings out the bike
Charlie Cameron has started with a bang with these two goals coming within a minute of each other
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00:38
Young Magpie punishes Lions with his second goal
Jack Ginnivan continues his perfect run in front of goal at AFL level with this snap
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01:08
Relentless Lions find their groove
A trio of goals from Callum Ah Chee, Zac Bailey and Lincoln McCarthy extends their margin over the Pies
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00:43
Lions can't be stopped with scintillating snaps
Joe Daniher and Lachie Neale combined with these two snap goals to continue their side's momentum
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00:28
Is Mihocek in trouble for this bump?
Brody Mihocek may find himself in hot water after this bump on Tom Fullarton late in the second quarter
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00:42
Selfless teamwork leads to McStay stunner
Brisbane's teamwork was on show once again with this brilliant team play leading to the easiest of goals from Daniel McStay
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02:22
Charlie has Harley revving with six of the best
Charlie Cameron was at his dominant best with an equal career-high six goals against the Magpies
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07:05
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06:20
'Just scratching the surface': Fagan says Daniher's best footy is ahead of him
Watch Brisbane's press conference after round 22's match against Collingwood
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05:48
'We'd like to think that's an aberration': Harvey at a loss after Lions thumping
Watch Collingwood's press conference after round 22's match against Brisbane
6. Sydney
56 points (14 wins, seven losses), 115.1 per cent
The Swans are assured of a 'home' elimination final so were able to give Lance Franklin and Jake Lloyd a week off to manage some ongoing issues, but now have fresh concerns with Nick Blakey injuring an ankle and Josh Kennedy possibly hurting a hamstring against North Melbourne. Callum Mills is also sidelined so with finals now in their sights the Swans will be hoping to get through their match against Gold Coast with no further injuries to key players while still being able to fine-tune their form. - Martin Pegan
The run home
R23: Gold Coast @ TBC
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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00:48
You can't drop the footy around Heeney
Isaac Heeney snares the opening goal within the first minute after a Roo blunder
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00:43
Zurhaar's freakish falling soccer goal
Cam Zurhaar somehow manages to land this outrageous soccer shot while being dragged down in a tackle
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00:46
Braeden Campbell joins the first goal club
Exciting Swans youngster Braeden Campbell slots his first goal in the AFL
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01:14
Crazy Stephenson finish after thrilling mark
Jaidyn Stephenson uses some of his forward magic to bag this clever goal, following a flashy mark from Cam Zurhaar
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00:34
Bad blow as Speedy Swan limps off
Running Swan Nick Blakey appears to hurt his ankle in this marking contest
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00:47
Gulden conjures something golden
Errol Gulden shows off his exciting raw talent with this stunning goal
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00:37
Roos end on good note with Comben debut goal
The Kangaroos earn a nice consolation through debutant Charlie Comben, who snares his first AFL goal after the siren
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07:54
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10:41
'He loves jumping into packs': Noble praises debutant
Watch North Melbourne's press conference after round 22's match against Sydney
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07:48
'Not just a rolled ankle': Longmire fearful of serious injury to Nick Blakey
John Longmire fears important running defender Nick Blakey may face a stint on the sidelines following an ankle injury he sustained against the Roos
7. Greater Western Sydney
42 points (10 wins, one draw, 10 losses), 98.9 per cent
It's a simple equation for the Giants: beat Carlton and they'll face Sydney in an elimination final. Things get much more complicated in the unlikely event that they lose to the Blues. If two of West Coast, Fremantle or Essendon win in round 23, the Giants will fall out of the eight if they also get beaten by Carlton. The Bombers will start a strong favourite against Collingwood but both West Coast (away v Brisbane) and Fremantle (away v St Kilda) face sterner tests. - Michael Rogers
The run home
R23: Carlton @ Marvel Stadium
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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00:29
Taranto's raw talent lights up Marvel
Tim Taranto displays some super skill to snare this golden snap
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00:36
De Boer gets this footy spinning to perfection
Matt de Boer bounces through a cracking goal and the Giants are on fire
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00:38
Taranto tantalising again with this ripper
Tim Taranto is having some sort of night, notching his third goal of the game after a special soccer
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00:33
Shai shines with this super kick
Shai Bolton earns a great consolation goal for the Tigers with this superb effort
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00:39
Maurice Rioli jnr takes his chances late
A couple nice late plays from Maurice Rioli jnr provides something to look forward to for Richmond fans
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01:18
Taranto takes off to new levels
Tim Taranto owned his space up forward in the absence of Toby Greene with a terrific four-goal outing
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06:59
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12:47
Cameron: Taranto filled Toby void perfectly
Leon Cameron says he made the decision earlier in the week to try Tim Taranto as a permanent forward in place of Toby Greene and was pleasantly surprised how effective it turned out
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08:58
Dimma: 'Made our job harder despite mathematical chance'
Damien Hardwick says his side hasn't done its finals chances any favours after losing to a 'super impressive side', but also suggested they continue to struggle from their lack of personnel
8. Essendon
40 points (10 wins, 11 losses), 107.2 per cent
Remarkably, the Bombers' fate is in their own hands after Fremantle toppled West Coast in Sunday's final game of round 22. If the Bombers beat arch rival Collingwood in the final round, they will finish either seventh or eighth and play in an elimination final. Although the Eagles and Dockers are both level with Essendon on 40 points, their percentages are so inferior the Bombers cannot be passed if anyone finishes level on points with them. - Michael Whiting
The run home
R23: Collingwood @ MCG
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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00:38
Stringer launches a long-range beauty
Jake Stringer has started the game with a bang thanks to this brilliant effort from beyond the 50m arc
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00:34
Jeffrey makes Dons pay for brain fade
Josh Jeffrey has put the Suns on the board and made James Stewart pay full price
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00:30
Red-hot bombers go bang-bang
Matt Guelfi and Jake Stringer have kicked back-to-back goals to give their side an ideal start to the second term
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00:24
Young Bomber slams home first AFL goal
Sam Durham has kicked a brilliant first career goal with this crumbing effort
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00:20
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01:40
The Package delivers five-star outing
Jake Stringer was at his explosive best with a five-goal in a dominant display
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05:29
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06:20
'Our focus is really pretty narrow at the moment': Rutten on finals potential
Watch Essendon's press conference after round 22's match against Gold Coast
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05:34
'It was a bit of an immature performance': Dew
Watch Gold Coast's press conference after round 22's match against Essendon
9. West Coast
40 points (10 wins, 11 losses), 94.7 per cent
The Eagles lost control of their destiny in Sunday's Western Derby loss, falling out of the top eight for the first time in three months. They must now beat Brisbane to remain a chance of snaring a finals spot and hope one of Greater Western Sydney or Essendon lose. Their percentage looks likely to prove costly at the end of a season for the third straight year, this time costing them a finals spot rather than top four. - Nathan Schmook
The run home
R23: Brisbane @ Gabba
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Record-equalling Docker shakes the defence off with ease
Fremantle's David Mundy blindsides the West Coast defence and kicks a beautiful goal in his 353rd game
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00:33
Perfect finish after Dockers' perfect play
Fremantle's Josh Treacy snaps a beautiful goal after Fremantle go coast-to-coast
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Star Eagle goes down with knee injury
Tim Kelly is forced off the field after injuring his knee in this incident
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00:28
Is Sheed in strife for this off-the-ball incident?
Docker Bailey Banfield goes down after this strike from Eagle Dom Sheed
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00:33
Eagles recruit delivers in crucial moment
West Coast recruit Alex Witherden kicks a long-range goal as the Eagles start to come back late in the third
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00:47
Colyer coolly converts in an electrifying Fremantle play
Travis Colyer bursts with speed to kick an important goal for the Dockers
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00:48
Flyin' Ryan just as good at ground level
Liam Ryan collects and sells some foot candy to snap a great goal
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00:57
Unbelievable GOTY contender comes from bizarre play
Caleb Serong falls down, gets back up and kicks a checkside banana after the ball flirts with the line multiple times
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09:36
Longmuir: 'We always dare to dream'
Watch Fremantle's press conference after round 22's match against West Coast
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09:42
Simpson: 'We know where we're at'
Watch West Coast's press conference after round 22's match against Fremantle
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07:59
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14:49
Mini-Match: Fremantle v West Coast
Extended highlights of the round 22 clash between the Dockers and Eagles
10. Fremantle
40 points (10 wins, 11 losses), 89.1 per cent
The Dockers are mathematically alive after a thrilling Western Derby win, but they need to beat St Kilda in round 23 and hope two of Greater Western Sydney, Essendon and West Coast lose. Their percentage of 89 means they can't make it if they finish equal on points with either the Bombers or Eagles. - Nathan Schmook
The run home
R23: St Kilda @ Marvel Stadium
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
-
Record-equalling Docker shakes the defence off with ease
Fremantle's David Mundy blindsides the West Coast defence and kicks a beautiful goal in his 353rd game
-
00:33
Perfect finish after Dockers' perfect play
Fremantle's Josh Treacy snaps a beautiful goal after Fremantle go coast-to-coast
-
Star Eagle goes down with knee injury
Tim Kelly is forced off the field after injuring his knee in this incident
-
00:28
Is Sheed in strife for this off-the-ball incident?
Docker Bailey Banfield goes down after this strike from Eagle Dom Sheed
-
00:33
Eagles recruit delivers in crucial moment
West Coast recruit Alex Witherden kicks a long-range goal as the Eagles start to come back late in the third
-
00:47
Colyer coolly converts in an electrifying Fremantle play
Travis Colyer bursts with speed to kick an important goal for the Dockers
-
00:48
Flyin' Ryan just as good at ground level
Liam Ryan collects and sells some foot candy to snap a great goal
-
00:57
Unbelievable GOTY contender comes from bizarre play
Caleb Serong falls down, gets back up and kicks a checkside banana after the ball flirts with the line multiple times
-
09:36
Longmuir: 'We always dare to dream'
Watch Fremantle's press conference after round 22's match against West Coast
-
09:42
Simpson: 'We know where we're at'
Watch West Coast's press conference after round 22's match against Fremantle
-
07:59
-
14:49
Mini-Match: Fremantle v West Coast
Extended highlights of the round 22 clash between the Dockers and Eagles
11. Richmond
36 points (nine wins, 12 losses), 97.8 per cent
To have any chance of securing a miracle finals berth, the Tigers must first thrash a resurgent Hawthorn by at least 10 goals in Alastair Clarkson's final game at the helm. Then they must hope that Collingwood beats Essendon by far more than that to bring the Bombers' percentage back down near Richmond's. Oh, and West Coast and Fremantle also both need to lose. It's not impossible for the Tigers to play finals, but it might as well be. - Michael Rogers
The run home
R23: Hawthorn @ MCG
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
-
00:29
Taranto's raw talent lights up Marvel
Tim Taranto displays some super skill to snare this golden snap
-
00:36
De Boer gets this footy spinning to perfection
Matt de Boer bounces through a cracking goal and the Giants are on fire
-
00:38
Taranto tantalising again with this ripper
Tim Taranto is having some sort of night, notching his third goal of the game after a special soccer
-
00:33
Shai shines with this super kick
Shai Bolton earns a great consolation goal for the Tigers with this superb effort
-
00:39
Maurice Rioli jnr takes his chances late
A couple nice late plays from Maurice Rioli jnr provides something to look forward to for Richmond fans
-
01:18
Taranto takes off to new levels
Tim Taranto owned his space up forward in the absence of Toby Greene with a terrific four-goal outing
-
06:59
-
12:47
Cameron: Taranto filled Toby void perfectly
Leon Cameron says he made the decision earlier in the week to try Tim Taranto as a permanent forward in place of Toby Greene and was pleasantly surprised how effective it turned out
-
08:58
Dimma: 'Made our job harder despite mathematical chance'
Damien Hardwick says his side hasn't done its finals chances any favours after losing to a 'super impressive side', but also suggested they continue to struggle from their lack of personnel
12. St Kilda
36 points (nine wins, 12 losses), 88.0 per cent
It's season done for the Saints. Given the considerable percentage gap, St Kilda needed to win both its final two games in order to sneak into a second successive finals series. Brett Ratten conceded Max King was unlikely to be risked in the final round clash against Fremantle due to a reoccurring adductor injury. - Sarah Black
The run home
R23: Fremantle @ Marvel Stadium
LADDER PREDICTOR Where will your club finish?
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
-
01:27
Players stand together against racism
A touching pre-game moment as players and officials huddle as one to help combat racism
-
00:59
Towering King doing just about everything
Max King is imposing himself on the contest early with three strong marks to go alongside his assists and goal
-
00:46
Snappy Saints slip through the Cats
The Saints continue their charge with another great goal through Tim Membrey
-
00:47
Jumping Jezza makes his move
Jeremy Cameron has made his impact felt in his return game with a couple of handy goals in the second
-
00:38
Crouch coming up big with two
Brad Crouch shows another his side to his game with two important goals in the third
-
00:47
Hawkins helps himself to a crucial major
Tom Hawkins keeps his feet and gets rewarded, slotting a timely snap before the final break
-
00:18
Could Danger find himself in hot water?
Patrick Dangerfield is penalised for this high contact on Brad Crouch
-
00:33
Saint defender subbed following Tomahawk tackle
St Kilda has been forced to sub out Darragh Joyce after this incident with Tom Hawkins
-
07:41
-
13:18
Scott demands AFL to make call on pre-finals bye
Watch Geelong's press conference after round 22's match against St Kilda
-
10:03
Ratten on King: 'He was playing some fantastic footy'
Watch St Kilda's press conference after round 22's match against Geelong