IN THE space of 48 hours 18 teams will become eight, with only 12 a mathematical possibility, and 10 in with a realistic shot of making the post-season series. We take a look at each game and what it could have in store for us, ranking them for what could be the most entertaining for the finals series through to the least impactful on the post-season.

#1 – Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne | Friday, October 31 @ 7:15pm AEDST

The match that has it all in the last round. The reigning premiers going for an all-time win streak in either men’s or women’s competition, and the young challengers who get to test themselves against the blue and white hoops for the first time. Based on what North has been able to do to anybody thus far, does not bode well for the Hawks, but fortunately the brown and gold have locked up a double chance. A loss likely means they face the Roos again next week.

#2 – West Coast vs. Carlton | Friday, October 31 @ 9:15pm AEDST / 6:15pm local

What a Friday night to be glued to the television. Nothing better than two sides needing a win to just lock up a finals spot. For the loser, it could well mean missing the post-season given the ninth placed Sydney are favourites to win their game, and one of eighth and 10th place in Adelaide and Fremantle respectively also have to go up to 28 points. Carlton would have a little safety net as they need the Swans to catch up the percentage, but a defeat would still have them very nervous.

#3 – Adelaide vs. Fremantle | Sunday, November 2 @ 5:05pm AEDST | 4:35pm local

Every good final stanza has to have a last match to watch and decide the post-season. Best part is, regardless of the results of other games, the loser will definitely miss finals. The winner might still too, particularly if its Fremantle and the results go against the Dockers, but if the Blues can knock off the Eagles, then that will mean it is a genuine win-and-you’re-in battle. Hard not to see the funny side of Fremantle making it after coach Lisa Webb was asked about the club being in a ‘crisis’ early in the year. What a turnaround.

#4 – St Kilda vs. Western Bulldogs | Sunday, November 2 @ 3:05pm AEDST

Unfortunately a loss last week meant the Bulldogs were officially ruled out of the finals race, but they can still play the role of grim reaper against the Saints who do need to win to book a maiden spot in September. If the Saints win, they are in and can even rise to fifth with a Blues loss – not to mention guaranteeing themselves a home final. But lose, and there’s a high possibility they finish ninth. Great tension for all.

#5 – Sydney vs. Essendon | Saturday, November 1 @ 5:05pm AEDST

Given Essendon’s eight-game losing streak, you’d be a brave person to back the Bombers in this one, but who knows what the trip to Coffs Harbour might throw up. Sydney needs to win to get into finals, that’s a certainty, with Adelaide and Fremantle either side facing off. Then the Swans need preferably Fremantle to win that one, or if West Coast or St Kilda lose, that will do too. There’s a good chance they can catch Carlton’s percentage as well even if the Eagles and Saints do get up.

#6 – Geelong vs. Melbourne | Saturday, November 1 @ 7:15pm AEDST

In terms of game quality, this is right up there because at their best, these sides are electric to watch. There’s less potential for chance to the eight with this one, but still permutations that can influence the makeup. If Melbourne get up, they will play in Victoria week one of the finals, whereas if they lose and the Lions and Roos both win, they are headed to Queensland to tackle Brisbane. A double-chance is still locked in, but could save themselves the roadtrip and a win would see them avoid North Melbourne before the decider. Geelong could “mathematically make it” if West Coast, Adelaide and Sydney all lose heavily, but even then the Cats have to make up the massive 24 per cent, so would need a 12 per cent swing both ways. to be a shot.

#7 – GWS Giants vs. Port Adelaide | Saturday, November 1 @ 1:05pm AEDST

This game only slots into seventh because of the fact Port Adelaide has the identical “mathematical probably” to Geelong. Barring a miracle the young Power will miss out on finals, but a win will potentially see them leapfrog at least the Dockers if Fremantle lose. GWS can jump the Bombers and Pies and avoid the bottom four with an upset here.

#8 – Collingwood vs. Brisbane | Sunday, November 2 @ 1:05pm AEDST

There’s every chance this game will be better quality than the one above if the Pies can play to their potential, but the way Brisbane is flexing its muscles at the moment, it could also be very one-way traffic. A win is important for the Lions because it means they will avoid North Melbourne in week one unless the Hawks upset the Roos. If the Dees go down to the Cats as well, then all of a sudden Brisbane will host Hawthorn in Queensland which is a huge result.

#9 – Richmond vs. Gold Coast | Saturday, November 1 @ 3:05pm AEDST

The only game with zero implications of finals, or even anything outside the bottom five. If Gold Coast win they can finish with some pride, but unless its some kind of record multiple triple-digit spanking, the Suns will grab the wooden spoon. Richmond can win and likely pass the Giants, Bombers and Pies, therefore avoiding the bottom four.