32 points - Eight wins, Seven losses, 104.8 per cent

Essendon's thrilling win over Port Adelaide has rejuvenated its finals hopes after a stuttering first half of the season. Even without taking the long-term injury to captain Jobe Watson into consideration, the Bombers don't have a friendly run home, facing three current top-eight teams including the ladder-leading Swans. Locked in a battle for eighth spot with Gold Coast and Adelaide, the Bombers' losses to lower-ranked teams earlier this season are likely to come back to bite them. The round 22 clash with the Suns will be crucial.  

Rd 17: Collingwood at the MCG

Rd 18: Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium

Rd 19: Sydney Swans at the SCG

Rd 20: Richmond at the MCG

Rd 21: West Coast at Etihad Stadium

Rd 22: Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium

Rd 23: Carlton at the MCG

"It is clearly our best performance because they are a good team and we know they are a good team. How significant is that win after losing some close ones? It is crucial. It gives people confidence that it can be done, they know how to do it and they have actually experienced it. They said to me it was the clearest and most communicated game they have played in which is a great thing. It means they know what they are doing, it looked professional, it looked measured and it was good to watch so I enjoyed that performance."

Mark Thompson - July 5 after beating Port Adelaide.