A win by Lockhart over any of these sides will ensure the Demons play finals so the stakes will be high, particularly the home games against Culcairn and Jindera.

If any of the top sides were to drop a game to Lockhart they would almost certainly blow any hope of a top two finish and find themselves into the bottom four elimination bouts.

Howlong have a tough draw ahead, but in reality have no chance of a top two finish and only need to win one of its last five matches to sneak into the final six. Or will they?

The Billabong Crows are the wild card with its final five matches featuring a bye in the second last round, however the four other are very winnable matches against RW Tigers (away), Rennie (home), CDHBU (away) and Coleambally (home).

If they were to win four of these games they could well find themselves into the top six if Howlong were to win only one more game. Simply if the Crows lose another game they are gone.

Walla need to conjure up at least two wins and possibly a third if they are to compete in finals. There home game v Howlong in round 17 will tell all, as their should win its last two matches v Henty and BB Saints.

OSBORNE POWER TO WIN OVER HOWLONG

Osborne have kept alive its good chances of reclaiming a top two finish alive with a well orchestrated and comfortable win over Howlong at Osborne, winning by 36 points in windy conditions.

The cats never looked threatened and it was only yet another wasteful display in front of goals that kept Howlong in the game, with only thirteen goals from 31 shots a poor return.

With Luke Gooden and Brett Powell to return this week for the huge clash away to Holbrook, the Cats are getting very close to full strength and a genuine shot at the flag.

Howlong were far from disgraced as many a trip to Osborne has seen them come home worse off, the lack of forward power hurt as the Cats defence dominated throughout.

Jamie Almond again starred for the Spiders, while veteran John Brunner continued to amaze with another solid game. Benny Nicholson and Steve Murphy did well in the midfield clearances.

Luke Heyme, Ant Armstrong (3 goals), Adam Gooden and Cal Litchfield all stood out for Osborne. A loss this week at Holbrook would see the Cats unlikely to get the double chance.