Just four finals spots are up for grabs in a thrilling finish to the Northern league season

Just four finals spots are left in a thrilling finish to the Northern league season. These are the games that will shape September.

Who wants to play Northern league finals.

There are just four finals positions available in the Northern Football Netball League.

With two game remaining in Division 2 and 3 and three matches left in the top flight, the pressure on competing clubs is extreme.

The finals fight remains alive in all three divisions with nine teams in the running for September action.

These are the games that will shape the finals.

Nathan Howard jumps over Zach Hudson. Picture: Valeriu Campan

DIVISION 1

Finals spots: 1

Contenders: Hurstbridge (30pts 98.73%), Greensborough (28pts 93.34%), Macleod (24pts 94.14%)

Round 16: Heidelberg v Macleod

The Kangas season essentially goes on the line this weekend and unfortunately for Craig Hayes’ men it’s against Heidelberg. A game-and-a-half out of the top-five, Macleod needs to win its three remaining games to remain in the finals hunt and the biggest hurdle is the Tigers.

Round 17: Greensborough v Hurstbridge

A mini elimination final, winner takes fifth and likely plays finals. If Greensborough wins, it moves two points in front of the Bridges and plays winless Whittlesea in the final round. Hurstbridge wins, it locks in fifth with a six-point gap and only one game remaining.

Round 18: Hurstbridge v Macleod

Macleod will need a lot to go right if they’re to remain alive heading into the final round but nothing is out of the question in NFNL Division 1. Both teams could be playing for their seasons here making it an intriguing clash.

Round 18: Greensborough v Whittlesea

If Greensborough can get past Hurstbridge they’ll very much fancy their chances of securing fifth-place against the last-placed Eagles. However, Whittlesea has plenty to play for as it could be their last chance for a win and avoid a dreading 0-18 campaign.

Round 18: Montmorency v North Heidelberg

Won’t have an impact on the finals race but could have major ramifications for the top-five make-up. North Heidelberg has its nose in front of Bundoora by just 12 per cent at the moment and this result could mean the difference between a double chance and back-to-back meeting with the Magpies or an elimination final.

Ben Callaghan in action for Watsonia. Picture: Stuart Milligan

DIVISION 2

Finals spots: 2

Contenders: South Morang (36pts 104.71%), Northcote Park (32 105.82%), Watsonia (101.35%), Thomastown (108.66%)

Round 17: Watsonia v Northcote Park

Looms as a mini elimination final with both teams facing difficult Round 18 assignments. Watsonia play Diamond Creek and Northcote Park hosts Eltham, meaning a win here is critical. Whoever does triumph will be in the top-five and in the box seat to play finals.

Round 17: Diamond Creek v Thomastown

Thomastown’s last chance to keep its season alive and unfortunately for the Bears it’s Diamond Creek standing in their way. With Watsonia and Northcote Park playing each other, a loss here would see Thomastown drop six points behind and out of the top-five race. A win over Diamond Creek or draw between the Saints and Cougars would keep them alive heading into a Round 18 clash with St Mary’s, who they beat in the final round last year to snatch a miracle finals berth.

Round 17: South Morang v Panton Hill

While the Lions are four points clear of Northcote Park and Watsonia and six ahead of Thomastown a top-five finish is certainly not guaranteed just yet. That could all change with a win over Panton Hill on Saturday. Lose and they’ll look to secure a finals berth against Lower Plenty in the final round.

Round 18: Northcote Park v Eltham

Knock off Watsonia this weekend and hope Diamond Creek finishes the Saints off. Lose to Watsonia and need to beat Eltham. The former is certainly the easier path to finals for the Cougars and a shot at bouncing straight back to Division 1.

Round 18: Diamond Creek v Watsonia

Same story as Northcote Park. If the Saints can beat the Cougars, then they’re in the box seat for a finals berth with Eltham short odds to roll Northcote Park. Needing to beat a Diamond Creek, which has only lost one game for the season, will be an extraordinarily tall order.

Heidelberg West players celebrate a goal.

DIVISION 3

Finals spots: 1

Contenders: Old Eltham Collegians (32pts 173.16%), Heidelberg West (32pts 139.94%)

Round 17: Reservoir v Old Eltham Collegians

The Turtles have the chance to all but put the top-five battle to bed here. A win would see them go four points clear but more importantly earn a considerable percentage boost that Heidelberg West simply can’t catch. Already 34 per cent ahead, Collegians are in a favourable position.

Round 17: Heidelberg West v Kinglake

A loss here doesn’t necessarily end Heidelberg West’s season but it makes it extremely difficult to recover. With Old Eltham playing Reservoir, the Hawks would be four points behind and need Kilmore to do them a big favour in the final round.

Round 18: Old Eltham Collegians v Kilmore

Speaking of Kilmore, the Blues have the chance to shape the four here with a win. Unless disaster struck against Reservoir, a win for Old Eltham would almost certainly lock in a finals spot. The Turtles enjoyed a 32-point win at JJ Clancy Reserve earlier in the season and will fancy repeating the dose at home.

Round 18: Lalor v Heidelberg West

If the Hawks can upset Kinglake this weekend it would set up an intriguing contest. West going for broke, needing a massive percentage boost, against a winless team that has absolutely nothing to play for. A good weekend for mathematicians trying to figure out the competing percentages of Old Eltham and Heidelberg West.