Based on the ladder, the current top five sides look shoe ins to make finals. Geelong sitting 5th are 3 wins plus percentage ahead of the current 9th placed side. Thats a lot of ground for the rest to make up. I suspect the top five are safe, the other three spots will be fought out by the rest.
In the next few weeks while teams have players missing anything can happen. I can't see any reason Sandringham with some school kids back can't knock off Murray with their championships players missing this weekend, Bendigo play Dandenong so the winner there may well move into the top 8. North Ballarat vs Oakleigh is another one, if NB win then all of a sudden the start to cement a spot in the eight and move a little further ahead of the Chargers. Two weeks ago, the Rebels were bottom of the ladder - now with consecutive wins they sit in the top 8. That's how even the competition is below the top and how the top eight system gives everyone a chance to play finals.
We're still a long way off, only just past half way in the season so anything can happen.