COLLINGWOOD and Gold Coast are in prime position to complete improbable runs to September, with two of the easier remaining fixtures this season.

And as the season ticks just past its halfway point, Geelong looks almost assured of a top-four finish with an equally generous run of fixtures ahead of the finals.

The second half of the year can often be about sorting out an already-formed top eight, with perhaps one spot still up for grabs, but an AFL.com.au deep-dive into the remaining rounds shows 2022 is a little different.

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>> CHECK OUT THEIR RECORD SO FAR AGAINST THE TOP EIGHT

The minor premiership is up for grabs, Fremantle looks the real deal on exposed form against top teams, while St Kilda and Carlton fans might be a little nervous – but we'll get to that a little later.

Let’s start with the Magpies, who are having an unexpectedly strong revival under new coach Craig McRae.

They’ve just moved into eighth – albeit having played one more game than round 13 combatants Richmond and Port Adelaide – and they face six teams currently outside finals positions in their remaining 10 games.

The door to September is well and truly open.

Starting with Melbourne in the Queen’s Birthday Monday match, Collingwood will want to make hay in the coming weeks, as it finishes its campaign against the Demons again, Sydney and Carlton.

The Pies' round 16 match against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium could be pivotal for both teams, as the Suns also have a golden opportunity to make finals for the first time in club history.

Currently boasting a 6-6 record, Stuart Dew’s men have already played seven of the current top-eight teams, winning three times.

Following this weekend’s bye, they face the Magpies in round 16, Brisbane in round 19 and Geelong in round 22. Gold Coast's remaining seven games are all against sides outside the top eight, including return clashes with struggling North and West Coast.

The Cats have again positioned themselves for another double chance.

Although being just so-so against other finals contenders to date (2-3), they have only three more matches against current top-eight teams to come.

Almost as intriguing as the race for finals berths over the coming 11 weeks is the fight for the minor premiership.

Melbourne had one hand on top spot a fortnight ago, but following losses against Fremantle and Sydney, the race is now wide open.

The reigning premier faces seven top-eight teams in the final 10 weeks, the equal-most in the competition.

Starting with Collingwood on Monday, the Demons also face Brisbane twice and Fremantle at Optus Stadium on the run home.

The Dockers have proved their credentials against fellow contenders, beating top-two Brisbane and Melbourne in the past fortnight and earning a 4-2 record against current finalists.

The team that has arguably as tough a run as Melbourne is St Kilda, which faces the Lions, Sydney, Carlton and Freo in the next five rounds in a stretch that could shape their season.

Carlton is another big improver in 2022 that still has a lot to prove, particularly with an injury list as long as any in the AFL.

MEDICAL ROOM Check out the full injury list

The Blues play each team currently in the top four in the next 10 weeks.

Although a lot can change week to week, the minor premiership, top four and top eight spots are all very much in play at the moment.

One final thing to note is that rounds 21, 22 and 23 have an absolute feast of matches between the current top-eight teams.

Brisbane against Carlton, Geelong v St Kilda, Sydney v Collingwood, Melbourne at the Lions and a Carlton-Collingwood blockbuster all promise to alter the way the top eight is currently structured.

Who's got the toughest run home? 

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