Wow – who saw this coming? And there are still two rounds remaining.

In one of the more unpredictable seasons in VFL-AFL history, one thing is certain – we won’t be hearing the “Collingwooood, Collingwooood” chant bellowing through the MCG come September. The Magpies are finished for season 2024, their late bid for finals ending in a controversial loss to the Swans on Friday night.

That the rebuilding Tigers and Magpies are no-shows means two of the biggest, and most passionate, supporter bases will be absent during the final month of action. That’s a financial, and atmospheric, loss for the league, but there will be plenty to look forward to.

Premiership fancy: Giants star Tom Green has been instrumental in his team’s rise.Credit: Getty Images

Essendon, another old-school Victorian powerhouse, also appears all but out of the race, and the AFL coffers could take a further hit if Carlton’s rapid decline continues, the Blues having slipped to ninth after an injury-hit loss to Hawthorn on Sunday.

That the Western Bulldogs also lost means, as it stands, there would not be a final held in Victoria on the opening weekend of September. That five of the current top-eight teams are from outside Victoria means there is the distinct possibility of the MCG being eerily quiet.

The Swans have regained their composure and Port Adelaide their mental strength, while this may be Greater Western Sydney’s best shot yet at claiming a maiden flag. The Brisbane Lions, despite a defeat to the Giants, are still a legitimate threat.

Just what the final configuration will be remains an intriguing mystery, and that’s why the final fortnight of the season proper carries so much promise.

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The verdict: The Swans ended a disturbing run of defeats with a stirring comeback win against Collingwood, and appear well placed to retain top spot in the final fortnight of the season. We backed the Swans to come good, and that’s what they did after trailing the Magpies by 27........

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