While North is all but locked into eighth position with one match to play, its Elimination Final opponent is very much in the air.

Mathematically, the Roos are still a chance to face any of the remaining seven clubs set for September.

But based in order of likelihood, North’s most probable opponents are Greater Western Sydney, the Western Bulldogs, Adelaide and West Coast.

NMFC.com.au looks at all the possible scenarios.

------------

Several of the teams above the Roos will be heavily favoured in their Round 23 matches, which would eliminate potential opponents.

Sydney, Geelong and Hawthorn all face teams outside of the finals race; Richmond, Melbourne and Collingwood respectively.

In assumption number one: If the Swans, Cats and Hawks all win, they would secure top four finishes and rule out the trio as potential opponents for North in week one.

It narrows the pool down to four – Adelaide, GWS, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs will be another consensus favourite in their clash against Fremantle, but their percentage will likely leave a finishing position largely out of their hands.

In assumption number two: A Bulldogs victory, combined with the previously mentioned wins, means the highest they could possibly finish is fifth.

The match on which most of the final eight is riding is the Friday night encounter between Adelaide and West Coast at Adelaide Oval.

The Crows’ hot form combined with Nic Naitanui’s absence means the home side will deservedly go in as favourites.

Although the Eagles have been playing good footy of their own in recent weeks; eight wins in their last nine matches include victories against GWS and Hawthorn.

The result will have an enormous impact on finals positioning, alongside North’s clash against the Giants.

While North can’t move out of eighth place, it can have a direct influence on its opponent.

For the sake of predictions, let’s consider Saturday night’s result at Etihad Stadium assuming Sydney, Hawthorn, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs all take care of business and picked up the four points.

We’re then left with one of four scenarios to lock in North’s finals opponent.

Scenario 1: Adelaide + North win – The Bulldogs finish fifth and North eighth, locking in a likely MCG encounter.

Scenario 2: Adelaide + GWS win – North travels to Spotless Stadium to face GWS in their first ever final.

Scenario 3: West Coast + GWS win – North likely travels to Adelaide Oval, depending on percentage separating the Crows and the Giants.

Scenario 4: West Coast + North win – West Coast finishes fifth and North eighth, meaning the Roos travel to the same venue where its 2012 and 2015 seasons ended.