Wildcard round was introduced to keep the finals race as open as possible, and take the home-and-away season down to the wire.

With two rounds remaining, Carlton have done almost enough to nail 10th spot, leaving St Kilda with only the sneakiest of chances to jump up into a wildcard position.

Collingwood have effectively stitched up a finals position but could still fall into a wildcard match, while Fremantle had a shock stumble but still appear a certainty for top spot.

The Hawks were given a reality check in Brisbane, the Lions roared back, while the Demons are a fairytale story and have an eye on a top-four berth.

And what to make the of the Western Bulldogs? Even coach Luke Beveridge is unsure.

We take a look at what awaits for your team. The best-case and worst-case scenarios are our projections only.

Fremantle

What we say: Well, well, well, the giants of the competition have been slayed at – of all places – the MCG, where the Dockers rarely play, but will need to perform if they make the grand final. Now comes a potentially tricky fortnight, for the Crows await next, and then the Blues, which could determine whether the latter books a wildcard berth.

Best-case finish: First. Worst-case finish: Second.

Sydney

What we say: The Swans appear a lock for second spot and to enjoy two home finals after unleashing a goal splurge to torpedo the Power, surging six points clear of the Hawks. Despite being without key ruckman Brodie Grundy, with Jai Serong emerging as an elite tagger, the Swans dominated through the midfield, and are almost certain to win their final two games.

Best-case finish: Second. Worst-case finish: Second.

Hawthorn

What we say: The Hawks had their four-game winning streak snapped, and now comes another test, against the Magpies. We’ll back them in to get the job done, and there is no reason not to think they cannot retain third spot, particularly with the Eagles up last. However, a goalless night from Nick Watson is not something the Hawks will want again.

Best-case finish: Third. Worst-case finish: Fifth.

Brisbane

What we say: A week of conceding 154 points to the Blues, the Lions regained their swagger in a top-four clash against Hawks, coasting to victory at the Gabba. Coach Chris Fagan preached calmness, the result now having the Lions primed for victories over the Suns and Magpies, and securing the double chance.

Best-case finish: Third. Worst-case finish: Fourth.

Adelaide

What we say: The pressure is on the Crows, for they could yet finish top four, or still slip into the wildcard round. They won ugly over the Tigers, scrapping to a nine-point win over the cellar dwellers at Adelaide Oval. That, however, was a far better result than what could have been, which would have put a top-four finish in major jeopardy. Now comes a tricky fortnight, the Dockers - stung by their own defeat - likely to prevail in Perth, but the Crows to rebound against the Giants.

Best-case finish: Third. Worst-case finish: Seventh.

Melbourne

What we say: This was a win for the ages, potentially the game of the season, as the Demons held off the seemingly unbeatable Dockers. They failed in their test against the Cats, but rebounded mightily here. Coach Steven King wanted his team to “make a statement”, and they did. “I feel like we can beat anyone on our day,” King said. Now come two opponents they should beat, giving this club an opportunity for a top-four berth - something most pundits thought unthinkable earlier this year.

Best-case finish: Third. Worst-case finish: Fifth.

Geelong

What we say: As we have regularly said, the Cats have what appears to be a smooth run home, and took care of business against the Bombers on Saturday. The Kangaroos will test, and the Tigers will be overwhelmed, meaning the Cats remain in contention for fourth spot. Will need a stumble or two above them to do that, though.

Best-case finish: Fourth. Worst-case finish: Eighth.

Collingwood

What we say: The Magpies can finish no lower than 10th to at least clip their ticket to a wildcard berth, while a top six spot is still a chance if they can prevail in their last two games, and other results fall their way. But now comes a potential nightmare fortnight, for the Hawks will seek retribution after their dismal night against the Lions, while the latter - in a fortnight - will be determined to hold on to a top-fourth berth, and the double chance.

Best-case finish: Fifth. Worst-case finish: 11th.

Western Bulldogs

What we say: Is it time to panic at the Whitten Oval? We wrote last week that the Bulldogs were hard to read, having had their three-game winning streak snapped. That industry view has strengthened after a shock loss to the Kangaroos, leaving the Bulldogs needing to win one of their final two games to secure a wildcard berth. Surely, they couldn’t miss the top 10? Or could they, going on their scratchy recent history? “As much as you’re favourites on paper, based on ladder position, it can belie what’s actually in front of you,” Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said. Damn right.

Best-case finish: Seventh. Worst-case finish: 11th.

Carlton

What we say: This has been arguably the biggest turnaround in a season in AFL history, the Blues winning nine of their past 11 under interim coach Josh Fraser. Now two games clear inside the top 10, the Blues have the inside running for a wildcard berth - but their final fortnight is extremely challenging. The Bulldogs are desperate, but the Dockers may rest players.

Best-case finish: Eighth. Worst-case finish: 11th.

St Kilda

What we say: It was a Sunday night of injury carnage - and defeat - for the Saints, who almost certainly will be without star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera for the rest of the season. This was a season when the Saints were supposed to rise. Instead, they remain a mediocre side. All is not lost though, for the Tigers and Suns await, but they will need other results to go their way.

Best-case finish: 10th. Worst-case finish: 13th.

Greater Western Sydney

What we say: Well, it may just about be season over for the Giants. We claimed last week the Giants “should” beat the Suns - so much for that. That’s been the story of this club all season. The Eagles are up next - dare we say, the Giants should win this. But then comes another trip back to Adelaide, this time to meet the Crows, where a victory will be a must if they are to be any chance of a wildcard berth.

Best-case finish: 10th. Worst-case finish: 14th.

And a word on:

Port Adelaide

What we say: It will be another tough night against the Demons this weekend, but the Power could topple the Bombers in round 24. Will Zak Butters return for a farewell game? We’ll see.

North Melbourne

What we say: The Kangaroos claimed their biggest scalp of the season when they knocked off the Bulldogs. They have now won nine games for their best return since 2019. The Cats and Swans are to come – could there be another surprise uprising?

Gold Coast

What we say: The Suns snapped a 10-game losing streak and have put the Giants’ finals hopes in peril. They can continue to shape the top 10 with games against the Lions and Saints.

West Coast Eagles

What we say: The Eagles are improving, and have the ability to knock off the Giants. The Hawks, however, will be a step too far.

Richmond

What we say: The Tigers made the Crows work hard in the wet for the four points. Now come the Saints and Cats, with two more losses expected against opponents with eyes on September.

Essendon

What we say: The only thing left to ask about the Bombers is who will coach the club next year. That could known as early as this week.