40 points (10 wins, nine losses) 105.9 per cent

The Bombers have crashed back to the pack after their loss to Richmond. With West Coast and Carlton both hitting form, Essendon would only pencil in a victory against Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium in round 22 at this stage. One win is unlikely to be enough to feature in September and even two victories might not get them there without a percentage boost. But if the Bombers respond to the Tigers loss with three straight wins, they could yet host an elimination final. However unlikely it may be, the Bombers could finish as low as 12th if things go awry and they lose all three.

The run home:

Rd 21: West Coast at Etihad Stadium

Rd 22: Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium

Rd 23: Carlton at the MCG

“We are not all doom and gloom because we are still alive that is for sure. We will prepare for West Coast over here at Etihad and we will get about having a look towards that game. We will do some quality training and try our best. That is all we can do. We can’t promise anything though, nobody can.” Mark Thompson – August 10, post Richmond loss.