In the run to finals, these five clubs are locked in a battle for the top four

August 3, 2026 — 3:45pm

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With three rounds remaining in the home-and-away season, the sprint to September is on.

Fremantle have all but locked up top spot, but there is much to keep supporters interested in the chasing pack.

The Swans, Hawks and Lions are battling for second spot, while the remaining finals berths are open.

The Blues are back in the hunt, as are the Saints, the Demons are hunting a top-four spot, while the Western Bulldogs remain a riddle.

The introduction of the wildcard round – extending the number of clubs who can make finals from eight to 10 – has ensured more teams remain in the race deep in the campaign.

We take a look at what awaits for your team. The best-case and worst-case scenarios are projections only.

What we say: Good luck to opponents was how Dockers coach Justin Longmuir put it after the Western Bulldogs failed in their negative flooding tactics on Friday night. To be fair, the Dogs did all they could, but it did not matter as the Dockers posted a club record 18th win in a season. Is it time to declare “Flag-mantle”? They have another three opponents to come who remain in the finals hunt, but it’s difficult to see this team being beaten, unless players are “managed”.

Best-case finish: First. Worst-case finish: First.

What we say: The Saints were always going to be a pesky opponent, even though last week we did not consider them a major test. Having got the job done, there is no reason why the Swans cannot win their final three games and frank second spot, for the Kangaroos are the highest-positioned side they will face.Best-case finish: Second. Worst-case finish: Fourth.

What we say: The Hawks, trailing by a point at the final change, did what they had to do to take the points over the Kangaroos, with Nick Watson booting an equal-career-high five goals and giving himself a chance to pinch the Coleman Medal. But now comes........

© The Age