The run home to the AFL finals in 2024 shapes as one for the ages, with positions two through to eight there for the taking with five home-and-away rounds remaining.

While the Swans, with three narrow defeats over the past month, have slipped, they still appear set to claim top spot, and the double chance. But what happens from there remains a point of intrigue.

With five home-and-away rounds to go, the race for the AFL’s top eight is heating up in season 2024.Credit: Jamie Brown

The Blues were imposing but are now vulnerable, while it wasn’t that long ago that the Lions’ hopes appeared dashed, only for Chris Fagan’s men to enjoy a stunning revival. As for the Magpies, well, there’s been plenty said about Craig McRae and his team. But can the 2023 premiers avoid the ignominy of missing the top eight?

The Bombers were in the top four a month ago, but a tough run home means they may now miss the top eight. Will their two-decade streak without winning a final continue?

The Hawks, complete with their social-media friendly young bucks, and the revitalised Bulldogs are surging, while Ken Hinkley’s job will be on the line if the Power stumble. And keep a lookout for the reborn Dockers, and the orange tsunami that is the Giants.

So can your team make the finals? We analyse the run home for each of the contenders, and deliver our final predicted ladder which, in a season of uncertainty, will undoubtedly spark debate.

The verdict: The team to beat. We predict at least another three wins, possibly four, although opponents have started to work out a game plan based on angled short kicks through the corridor. The Swans have dropped three of their past four games, admittedly by a combined five points. A top-two spot appears a lock-in, guaranteeing two home finals, and giving them the opportunity to rest players. That’s a great position to be in, for they now have a growing injury list, headlined by Tom Papley’s absence for six weeks.

The verdict: The Blues appeared set for a top-two finish, but that’s now on slippery ground after........

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