With just one round remaining in the AFL, the pecking order of the top eight is yet to be determined, and with double chances and home finals up for grabs, the competition is as hot as ever.
Depending on the outcome from round 23 matches, the GIANTS can finish anywhere from third to seventh on the ladder.
A top-four finish would hand the GIANTS a double chance and guarantee a home final in either week two or three of the 2018 Toyota AFL Finals Series.
Teams who finish fifth to eighth are thrown into an elimination final, but the sides who claim spots five and six will have a home ground advantage.
Below are the possible outcomes for the GIANTS in round 23.
TO FINISH THIRD
The GIANTS would need to defeat Melbourne at the MCG, rely on Fremantle bouncing back in a big way to defeat Collingwood at Optus Stadium, and would be praying for a draw between the Swans and Hawthorn at the SCG - and the GIANTS' winning margin would need to be enough to push it above the Hawks on the table.
If this were all to unfold, the GIANTS would most likely book a spot in the qualifying final against West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium in week one of the finals (if West Coast defeat Brisbane at the GABBA).
TO FINISH FOURTH
The GIANTS would need to defeat Melbourne at the MCG, and either:
- Rely on a draw between the Swans and the Hawks if Collingwood defeats Fremantle, or
- Rely on Fremantle to secure an upset win over Collingwood.
A fourth-placed finish would see the GIANTS take on reigning premier Richmond at the MCG in a qualifying final.
TO FINISH FIFTH
If the GIANTS defeat the Demons, Collingwood defeats Fremantle and the Swans-Hawks game is not a draw, the GIANTS will find themselves in the bottom half of the eight, but with a home final, against either Geelong, Melbourne or Port Adelaide.
TO FINISH SIXTH
If the GIANTS and Melbourne draw, and Sydney defeats Hawthorn (by less than about 40 points, depending on the scores kicked), the GIANTS will finish sixth, setting up a home elimination final against the Demons.
TO FINISH SEVENTH
If the GIANTS lose, regardless of other outcomes, they will finish seventh on the ladder and will likely play an away elimination final against the loser of the Swans-Hawthorn clash.
However, if the Fremantle-Pies and Swans-Hawks clashes are both draws, the GIANTS will face Melbourne away, or if Fremantle wins and Swans-Hawks is a draw, the GIANTS will take on Collingwood away.
