There are nine games to go before the finals, and although the eight finalists are set, there's plenty to play for in the last round of the season.

Here's the situation for the each of the top eight:

Fremantle 1st (Round 23 opponent: Port Adelaide, Saturday at Adelaide Oval) (68pts, 125.1%)

West Coast's loss opened the door for the Dockers to secure the McClelland Trophy as the top-placed side on the ladder at the end of the home and away season on Sunday. Fremantle needed to beat only one of lowly Melbourne at Domain Stadium on Sunday, or Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval next week to ensure a top finish, and they duly accounted for the Demons.

West Coast 2nd (St Kilda, Saturday night at Domain Stadium) (62 pts, 143%)

The Eagles threw away their hopes of finishing first after being thrashed by Adelaide on Sunday, but remain in the box seat for a home qualifying final, probably against Hawthorn, if they can beat St Kilda next week at home. They won't miss the top four even if they are upset by the Saints but would probably prefer to finish fourth and face the Dockers in a qualifying final rather than come third.

Hawthorn 3rd (Carlton, Saturday at MCG) (60 pts, 156.8%)

The Hawks did what they had to against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, but the loss to Port Adelaide eight days earlier appears likely to be the one which will scupper their tilt for a home final. Their hefty percentage break over both Richmond and the Western Bulldogs means that in reality they can't miss the top four from here, but bar a surprise Eagles loss to the Saints and a win over the Blues, they will head west in week one of the finals.

Sydney 4th (Gold Coast, Saturday night at SCG) (60 pts, 124.1%)

The Swans avoided slipping up against St Kilda on Sunday, and now have the seemingly straightforward task of beating Gold Coast - a side to whom they have never lost - at the SCG to book their double chance. Could theoretically still host a final if the Hawks and Eagles lose, but in all likelihood they are headed west in week one if they beat the Suns. Lose, though, and they almost certainly miss the top four, but can't fall any lower than sixth, meaning they will definitely host a final at some stage.

Richmond 5th (North Melbourne, Friday night at Etihad Stadium) (56 pts, 121.4%)

The good news is that the Tigers will be in the finals for the third straight year. The bad news is that they'll probably still miss the top four again, even if they can beat North on Friday night. Would only make the top four if they defeat the Roos and Sydney lose to Gold Coast, and even then Richmond could still be usurped on percentage by the Dogs. By winning against North the Tigers would secure a home final at the MCG, but lose and they might have to travel to Sydney or Adelaide.

Western Bulldogs 6th (Brisbane Lions, Saturday at Gabba) (56 pts, 116.8%)

The Bulldogs outlasted the Kangaroos on Saturday to win the quintessential eight-point game. They remain an outside chance for a top four spot, but like Richmond are reliant on Sydney losing at home to the 16th-placed Suns. The likely outcome for the Bulldogs if they can beat the bottom of the ladder Lions is a home final, potentially at Etihad Stadium if it's against the Crows, but a loss would leave them vulnerable to an elimination final in Adelaide.

Adelaide 7th (Geelong, Saturday at Simonds Stadium) (54 pts, 119.1%)

The Crows have catapulted themselves from a desperate race just to make the eight to now become a chance to host an elimination final. They could finish as high as fifth if they can win what looms as an emotion-charged game in Geelong on Saturday. Will host a week one final at Adelaide Oval if they beat the Cats and the Dogs or Tigers lose. A loss will see them travel to Melbourne or Sydney.

North Melbourne 8th (Richmond, Friday night at Etihad Stadium) (52 pts, 109.1%)

The Roos' surge was halted by the Dogs, thus ending the hopes of a top four berth for the men from Arden Street. Even if North can beat the the Tigers, where the Roos play their elimination final will remain dependent on what happens at the SCG, Gabba, and Simonds Stadium.