Essendon’s finals fate is in its own hands as it prepares for the final round of the home and away season this Saturday.
For the Bombers, the equation is simple.
Win and their finals berth is secured. Lose, and start praying that Coburg can defeat Richmond.
Essendon currently sit a game clear in eighth position with nine wins, 36 points and a percentage of 103.74.
Richmond are the only team that could take the finals spot in ninth with eight wins, 32 points and a near identical percentage of 103.70.
The Bombers host the 13th placed Northern Blues at Windy Hill from 11am on Saturday.
Richmond officials will no doubt be glued to the updates with their match against the eleventh placed Coburg at Punt Road Oval set for a 12pm start.
If you can’t make it to Windy Hill to support the Bombers before heading to the MCG, swing by Punt Road to cheer on the ‘Burgers’ just in case?
If all goes to plan….
Essendon will win easily so we can all enjoy a stress free build up to the Bombers and Carlton clash at the MCG.
The Bombers will finish eighth and could play any of four sides in an elimination final depending on results and final ladder positions.
Collingwood, Casey and Williamstown will make up the top three but the starting order could change.
Essendon’s opponent will be any of Port Melbourne, Footscray, Geelong or Sandringham – making for a fascinating finish to the season.
Port Melbourne (44 points and 107.24%), Footscray (44 points – 105.75%), Geelong (40 points – 136.56%) and Sandringham (40 points – 116.78%) will jostle for positions from four through to seven.
Essendon has played Port Melbourne, Footscray and Sandringham once and couldn’t manage a win and have one win and a loss against Geelong.
Who will we see?
From the weekend’s winning side against North Ballarat, the VFL side could welcome back as many as 10 AFL-listed players for the finals if they get through.
AFL-listed players must have played no more than 12 AFL matches to qualify for finals action.
From the AFL side that took on the Western Bulldogs on Sunday the VFL Bombers can welcome back Jackson Merrett, Mark Jamar, Jake Long and Conor McKenna.
Players who didn’t play on the weekend at either level that could be included in the side are Aaron Francis, Ryan Crowley, Sam Grimley, Nathan Grima, Alex Morgan and Jonathan Simpkin.
All up the VFL side will have 21 AFL-listed players to pick from with the above names joining Jason Ashby, Shaun Edwards, Mason Redman, Yestin Eades, Gach Nyuon, Nick Kommer, Will Hams, Shaun McKernan, Tom Wallis, James Polkinghorne and Sam Michael.
Of the 26 listed VFL players, 23 have qualified for finals.
Where?
Venues are yet to be confirmed but it is likely that the elimination final will be played next Sunday at either North Port Oval (Port Melbourne) or Trevor Barker Beach Oval (Sandringham) regardless of the opposition.
- Please note this Saturday’s game time against Northern Blues has been changed, now commencing at 11am.
