The Run Homeafl.com.au
7 August 20227. Carlton48 points (12 wins, eight losses) 109.6 per centThere are nervous times ahead for Blues fans following Sunday's loss to Brisbane. Although teams outside the eight stumbled at the weekend, Carlton still needs one more win to lock away a berth in the finals. They should regain ruckman Marc Pittonet to face Melbourne next Saturday night, but will wait nervously for the MRO's findings on skipper Patrick Cripps. It all could boil down to an absolute blockbuster final Sunday afternoon of the home-and-away season against arch rival Collingwood at the MCG.
- Michael WhitingThe run homeR22: Melbourne @ MCG
R23: Collingwood @ MCG
8. Richmond46 points (11 wins, eight losses, one draw) 115.8 per centDespite a horror patch last month, consecutive wins against Brisbane and Port Adelaide mean Richmond's finals destiny is back in its own hands. The Tigers have a two-point buffer on St Kilda, and are six points clear of the Western Bulldogs in 10th. Hawthorn and Essendon have both thrown up a few curveballs throughout the season, so it's not the straightest run to September, but the Tigers should be good enough to scrape through.
- Sarah BlackThe run homeR22: Hawthorn @ MCG
R23: Essendon @ MCG
9. St Kilda44 points (11 wins, nine losses) 101.1 per centThe loss to Geelong on Saturday night, coupled with Richmond's win over Port Adelaide, means the Saints have fallen to ninth and sit two points behind the Tigers heading into the final two games of the season. Now, a horror fortnight awaits the Saints who quite simply need to beat Brisbane at Marvel Stadium under the bright lights of Friday night football. After that, another monster clash against top-four fancy Sydney awaits in the final game of the home and away season. But two wins still may not be enough for Brett Ratten's charges, who require one of Hawthorn or Essendon to upset the Tigers in the final fortnight, or for Carlton to go winless in the final fortnight. It's a big ask, but there's still a chance.
- Nick D'UrbanoThe run homeR22: Brisbane @ Marvel Stadium
R23: Sydney @ Marvel Stadium
10. Western Bulldogs40 points (10 wins, 10 losses) 107.9 per cent
Following their loss to Fremantle, the Western Bulldogs will need to win both games across the final fortnight to play in September. And even then, Luke Beveridge's side will need other results to fall in their favour after back-to-back losses against premiership contenders Fremantle and Geelong. The past three games were always the challenge, but now they must beat Greater Western Sydney and Hawthorn – who both won on the weekend – if they are going to feature in the finals.
- Josh GabelichThe run homeR22: Greater Western Sydney @ Marvel Stadium
R23: Hawthorn @ UTAS Stadium
https://www.afl.com.au/news/812637/the-run-home-five-teams-three-spots-who-misses-top-four-