Fight for the top five in 2025

By ZAC MILBANK

The fight for fifth spot in the Hostplus SANFL League is heating up with just three minor round matches to play.

Three clubs have emerged as genuine contenders to claim the last remaining slot in the major round, with eighth-placed North Adelaide – still a chance mathematically- dropping off the pace after Round 16.

Port Adelaide, Woodville-West Torrens and Norwood appear to be locked in a three-way battle for a berth in the 2025 Elimination Final.

The Magpies and Eagles both have one more win than the Redlegs approaching Round 17 but Jade Sheedy’s charges boast the strongest percentage of the three at 52.70.

And there is a case to declare Norwood has the most favourable run home with two of its three matches at The Parade and two games opposed to opponents lower on the ladder.

The Legs’ final fixture looms as a potential mini Elimination Final a week before the real one given they face the Pies at Woods Street in Round 19.

Port faces top-five sides Central District and Glenelg in the next fortnight while the Eagles – currently on a six-game losing streak – won’t give up hope given they confront two teams below them on the table – South and North – after an encounter with unbeaten Sturt on Saturday.

The Double Blues – on a 15-game winning run – have all but sewn up the minor premiership and a direct path through to the Second Semi-Final.

Reigning premier Glenelg and Adelaide appear set to clash in the Qualifying Final but the fourth-placed Bulldogs remain in the hunt for a double chance with just two wins less than the Tigers and Crows.