Top nine breakdown: How every finals contender stacks up against each other

With nine trying to go into eight in the final five weeks, Josh Barnes breaks down what each club’s strengths and weaknesses are over the rest of the contenders – and who their bogey sides are.

With August on our doorsteps, now is the time clubs need to get their game rolling if they want to win it all in September.

As Cats coach Chris Scott said this week, the “hottest” team in the month of finals will probably win it all and match-ups could be crucial.

While Sydney is trying to stick around, nine clubs have separated from the rest.

Here’s who’s excelling against who in the top nine, plus a club-by-club breakdown of what’s working, what isn’t and who each club is hoping to face or avoid come finals. .

Originally published as Top nine breakdown: How every finals contender stacks up against each other