TOPIC:

Almost certain now that the 2nd semi will be between East Perth and Subiaco. Very likely that Swans will finish 3rd unless they completely collapse, but today's results have opened up the possibility of West Perth and Claremont making a late charge for 4th spot. The Tigers problem is their awful percentage, so this will probably count against them, however no such issue for the Falcons as they are over 10% better than East Fremantle. They need to firstly beat the Sharks next week, then Peel in Mandurah. If they do this, they will be within a game of East Fremantle with two rounds left. In round 22, the Sharks play Swans at home and West Perth face a tricky game at the Showgrounds. If the Falcons are still within 4 points by round 23 they would be favourites to take 4th spot as they are playing Perth and East Freo play Subiaco.

Claremont will need to win their last 4 games against Perth, Subiaco, West Perth and East Perth and hope that the Sharks lose all four of their games, an unlikely scenario.

mikeh -- good analysis. I hope both clubs can make a fist of competing with Old Easts for fourth on the ladder. I have been observing the debate on whether to move to a 'final five', something which I dislike to say the least. Sometimes following the WAFL is similar to watching a re-run of a bad movie, because we have tried a final five in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was booted out for all the reasons some people have suggested on here; namely, that it rewarded poor teams. Given the history of the final four -- since 1931 under the Page system -- would people really like to see someone win from fifth?

The table never lies

4th spot was always gonna be up for grabs with EF holding on to it Mikeh......lots of rollercoaster ebbs and flows still to come I reckon......saying that EP and Subi are a class above all the rest at the moment......can't see any of SD, EF, Cl or WP getting over either of them in the prelim final.....good for the comp if 4th spot can be still alive come the last round......though if EF some how win v WP and Perth shock all n sundry and beat Cl then the fight for 4th spot is all over.....though some how I can't see any of that happening next week eh?