AFL 2018 Finals Prediction

With the final 8 all but decided, there is still plenty to decide this weekend so we thought we’d put up our prediction for this years top 8.

Richmond-
Current position: 1st
This weekend (prediction): Bulldogs (W)
Predicted finish: 1st

You can look at this weekend’s home game against in a variety of ways; a final tune-up for the defending champs, an opportunity to rest some key players heading into finals or a minor premiership celebration with fans. They’re going to be tough to topple come September.

West Coast-
Current position: 2nd
This weekend: Brisbane (W)
Predicted finish: 2nd

Earlier in the year this one would have been penciled in as a sure win for the Eagles but the young Lions are a different prospect at home these days. After a disappointing loss against Melbourne last week they must win this to secure a top 2 finish and earn a qualifying final in the west.

Collingwood-
Current position: 3rd
This weekend: Fremantle (W)

The Pies have been unbelievably resilient in the face of a huge injury toll. They deserve a top 4 spot and will do so with an away win against the Dockers. They then will be sweating on the Lions to upset the Eagles in order to secure home ground advantage.

Hawthorn-
Current position: 4th
This weekend: Sydney (L)
Predicted finish: 6th

The biggest game of the weekend sees the Hawks travel to the harbor city to take on the Swans. Simple equation, the winner secures a crucial top 4 finish. The Hawks have been patchy whilst still winning games lately and may surprise a few legendary coach Clarkson at the helm.

Sydney-
Current position: 5th
This weekend: Hawthorn (W)
Predicted finish: 4th

The Swans looked shot a month ago after losses to Geelong and Richmond but have romped back to form on the back of some Buddy brilliance in recent weeks. After leaving the ground late with groin soreness last week, do the Swans risk him this week in the hope of securing a top 4 birth? He must play for them to win.

GWS-
Current position: 6th
This weekend: Melbourne (W)
Predicted finish: 6th

The Giants will be seething after losing to arch rivals Sydney last week and forgoing the opportunity to finish top 4. They have been cruelled by injuries at the worst time but have great depth. Greene and Kelly are expected to be big ins either this week or the first week of finals. If they can play their best footy they can beat anyone from here.

Melbourne-
Current position: 7th
This weekend : GWS (L)
Predicted finish: 8th

After an emotional win last week securing their first finals berth in 12 years, the Demons will need to pull it together quickly to be prepared for a tough task against the Giants. Lose and they could well be leapfrogged by the Cats.

Geelong-
Current position: 8th
This weekend: Gold Coast (W)
Predicted finish: 7th

The Cats aren’t home yet but if they cant defeat the Suns at the Cattery then they don’t deserve to be there. Would love to see their stars up and about come September.

Port Adelaide-
Current position: 9th

This weekend: Essendon (W)
Predicted finish: 9th

A month ago the Power were in a great position to land a top 4 spot but after successive losses to Adelaide, West Coast and Collingwood they are long odds to make the 8. They must defeat the Bombers on Friday night then pray for a huge upset in the Geelong v Gold Coast game.

Tell us if you think we got it right in the comments below.