AFL website's Crystal Ball after round 219. RICHMOND40 points (10 wins, 10 losses) 104.5 per cent
The run home:
Rd 22: St Kilda at the MCG
Rd 23: Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium
If the Tigers win next week:
- And then beat the Swans in round 23, they can only be denied a finals berth if Adelaide wins its remaining two matches and Essendon wins one more game
- They can lose to the Swans in round 23 and still play finals if the Crows lose their last two games and Collingwood, Gold Coast and West Coast all lose one of their remaining two
If they lose next week:
- They will need to beat the Swans in round 23 and hope Adelaide loses its last two games and West Coast loses one to play finals
- They can finish as low as 12th if Collingwood, Gold Coast and the Eagles win
Predicted finish: 10th http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-08-17/finals-crystal-ball-week-one-predictions-----------------------------------------------------------
On the other hand, if we somehow sneak in the Eight, the AFL website is saying:
9. Seven other teams won't want to play Richmond in SeptemberIt might have left its run too late, but if Richmond could sneak into the top eight and qualify for this season's finals campaign, it's capable of causing some serious damage. The Tigers' seventh-straight win showcased the immense belief in the playing group that now exists, as it somehow wrestled back control of the game in the last quarter, in front of a hostile Crows' crowd. It was an effort of significant character from the Tigers and one that could be replicated in September – if they're still alive.
– Harry Thringhttp://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-08-17/nine-things-we-learned-from-round-21