While the path ahead is tough, there remains a slim chance the GIANTS can take part in their fifth straight finals campaign.

Round 17 wrapped up on Monday night with Collingwood securing a finals berth by defeating Gold Coast.

With one round to play, the GIANTS have slipped back to 10th spot on the ladder.

There are a few things that have to fall into place for the GIANTS to move into the top eight, but there is only one in our control; beat St Kilda.

The GIANTS host St Kilda (seventh) on Friday night in a mouth watering clash at the Gabba.

The GIANTS must defeat St Kilda on Friday night, with a sizeable winning margin the ideal result, given their percentage discrepancy.

The GIANTS also need to see Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs trip up against Essendon and Fremantle, respectively.

Those results would see the GIANTS leapfrog Melbourne (9th) and draw level with St Kilda and the Bulldogs (8th) on 36 points.

There is a percentage gap of 3.3 between the GIANTS and the Bulldogs which is a significant amount to make up this late in the year.

In a year of twists and turns, who knows what will come next.

Round 18 gets underway on Thursday night with West Coast playing North Melbourne.