SWFL men’s: Seven teams vying for five finals spots in the run home

Seven teams are vying for five spots in the finals with a month left to go in the South West Football League season. Josh Kempton takes a look at the run home for every side. South Bunbury Ladder: 1st (14-0, 281.98%) Fixtures: @ BUS, v BUN, @ CP, v HBL The run-down: The undefeated ladder-leaders have been in irrepressible form all season but have still not mathematically secured top spot, with Bunbury sitting only two wins behind. If both teams win this weekend, the Tigers could seal themselves a weekend off in the first round of finals if they beat the Bulldogs in round 18, which will be the first rematch between the sides since their epic WA Day derby. But they will be tested in a final month in which they will be the only team in the competition to play four sides who are still in the hunt for finals. Bunbury Ladder: 2nd (12-2, 222.89%) Fixtures: v EAT, @ SB, v DBK, @ AMR The run-down: The Bulldogs have won eight straight games since their WA Day loss to the Tigers to keep themselves in the mix for top spot, which they could go a long way towards grabbing if they topple South Bunbury in round 18. Having all-but sealed their participation in the finals, their next challenge will be to lock away a double chance with a top-three finish. Percentage could also play a part and they will be looking for a big boost against Eaton this weekend, having beaten the Boomers by 159 points in the reverse fixture in round six. Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Ladder: 3rd (10-5, 147.79%) Fixtures: v CP, Bye, v EAT, @ SB The run-down: The Lions sit one win clear of the chasing pack but will drop back to it when they have a bye in round 18. Derek Hall’s side were upset by Carey Park on the road in round six but would take a big step towards shoring up their finals spot if they can defeat the Panthers this weekend. If they wobble in their next two games, they could find themselves with the unenviable task of defeating South Bunbury in the final round to ensure their spot in the finals is completely secure. Augusta-Margaret River Ladder: 4th (9-5, 120%) Fixtures: @ COL, v HB, @ BUS, v BUN The run-down: Games against Collie and Harvey Bulls in the next two weekends shape as big chances for the Hawks to ensure they return to the finals after missing out last season. Unlike the teams below them, they are completely in charge of their own destiny — they cannot miss the finals if they win all four of their remaining games. They would likely need Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault to drop multiple games in the final few weeks to jump into the top three, with the percentage gap between the sides looking too large to bridge. Donnybrook: Ladder: 5th (8-6, 147.77%) Fixtures: @ HB, v BUS, @ BUN, v CP The run-down: The Dons have been somewhat inconsistent this season but their best has been very good and they will be looking to produce performances of that ilk to ensure their finals participation. As well as a big clash with Busselton in round 18, their round 19 contest against Bunbury will be critical for their hopes of making the top five. Their round 20 fixture against Carey Park shapes as a virtual elimination final, with both sides likely to need a win to punch their ticket to the finals. Carey Park: Ladder: 6th (8-6, 127.22%) Fixtures: @ HBL, @ EAT, v SB, @ DBK The run-down: The Panthers look to have one of the toughest runs home, coming up against two top-three sides and having what could be a do-or-die game against Donnybrook in the last round of the season. Augusta-Margaret River and Donnybrook will both come into their matches this weekend as favourites, meaning they will be desperate to do the double over Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault to keep pace. For percentage purposes, they would want to register a big win over Eaton in round 18 and, if they fail to win, keep their round 19 date with South Bunbury close. Busselton: Ladder: 7th (8-6, 119.68%) Fixtures: v SB, @ DBK, v AMR, @ DUN The run-down: A loss to South Bunbury this weekend would not necessarily be terminal for the reigning premiers’ finals hopes but being blown out in a similar fashion to their 68-point defeat in round six would make their task appreciably harder. If they do lose to the Tigers, the Magpies would likely need to win against both Donnybrook and Augusta-Margaret River to keep their season alive. They will have an opportunity to come home strong against Dunsborough, who they defeated by 74 points in round nine. Harvey Bulls, Dunsborough, Eaton and Collie cannot make the finals.