2024 is shaping as one of the tightest seasons of the 21st century. So much so, that David King can only lock three teams into this year’s finals series at this stage.
Eight teams, from 6th to 13th, sit between 28 and 32 premiership points heading into Round 16 and only Sydney, Carlton and Essendon’s spots in the top eight are guaranteed beyond this weekend.
With nine home and away games to come for every team, King gave a stock take on the prospects of multiple clubs.
“The three that I would lock in (to September) are Sydney, Carlton and Collingwood,” the North Melbourne great said on SEN Breakfast.
“Then the rest, my god. Throw all balls in the air and see how they fall.”
He suggested all of Essendon, Fremantle, GWS, Geelong and Port Adelaide were vulnerable in their current top eight positions.
As to the teams outside the finals mix who could feature at the pointy end, King added: “I do think Brisbane are coming in and the Dogs are coming in.”
The Bombers may only need four more wins to return to the finals to end a three-year hiatus and Brad Scott’s men don’t leave Victoria again until Round 24.
But King said of the Bombers: “They’re not a lock. Did you see what happened in the back half of last year?”
He added: “And if Fremantle lose this week they have the potential to fall out of the eight.”
If Collingwood (4th) are defeated by the Suns, they could fall to as low as 9th this week, while Fremantle (5th) could be 10th if they lose to Sydney.
All of the Giants, Cats and Power could find themselves well out of the eight with a loss this weekend, with Round 16 shaping as a defining block of fixtures for the finals mix.