Four of the top five sides – first-placed Geelong, Collingwood (third), reigning premier West Coast (fourth) and Brisbane (fifth) – all face schedules that rank among the top five easiest fixtures in the run home, according to Champion Data.

The Cats don't play another top-four side from now until the finals, with four games against teams in the bottom half of the eight, five against sides ranked ninth to 14th, and two against teams in the bottom four.

The cards have also fallen Geelong's way in the first half of the season, with their first 11 games rated the fourth-easiest fixture to date.

Port Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney and Adelaide are the only clubs to have enjoyed a softer start to their campaigns.

But back to the run home, where St Kilda, 12th on the ladder with a 5-6 record, has the easiest final 11 games.

The only time the Saints face a top-four side is when they take on the Cats in round 17, while they also take on the Lions, Richmond (sixth) and eighth-placed Adelaide.

Port Adelaide's road to the finals is just as bumpy, with five games against sides in the top eight.

The Power are clinging to seventh spot with a 6-5 record, above crosstown rivals, the Crows, on percentage.

The Crows have the fifth-toughest run home, with all top-four sides on the horizon.

Current draw

Remaining fixture