The situation is simple. If we win, we’re in.

But, there are a number of factors that could come into play this weekend around the Bulldogs and a potential finals berth.

Friday night

Collingwood v Essendon @ MCG
Collingwood’s win sees them move to third, and Essendon sitting in seventh.
In terms of the Bombers – a Bulldogs’ win on Sunday would see them jump to at least seventh on the ladder and a likely elimination final clash against the GWS Giants in Sydney.
The Magpies can still finish fifth – if both West Coast and Richmond win, against Hawthorn and Brisbane respectively.

Saturday night

Gold Coast Suns v GWS Giants @ Metricon Stadium
The Giants’ big win against the Suns means they finish sixth, and will host an elimination final at Giants Stadium. 

West Coast Eagles v Hawthorn @ Optus Stadium
The Hawks’ victory sees them sitting in eighth spot, ahead of the Bulldogs by percentage.
The Eagles will now finish fourth or fifth, pending the result of Sunday’s clash between the Tigers and Lions.

Sunday

Western Bulldogs v Adelaide @ Mars Stadium
Win, and we’re in.
Hypothetically heading into round 23, fifth or sixth could yet be any of West Coast, Richmond, Collingwood, GWS Giants or Essendon.
Lose – and depending on the margin, and the Hawks-Eagles result – we may still be a chance.
If the Bulldogs lose, and the Hawks lose to the Eagles, it will come down to percentage on Sunday.
The Crows can leapfrog the Bulldogs on percentage, if they win by roughly four goals.
But if that doesn’t occur, the Bulldogs will hold onto eighth spot – ahead of the Power-Freo clash, where Bulldogs fans would be hoping the Dockers can cause an upset. 

Richmond v Brisbane @ MCG
In the scheme of things, this match is only important if the Bulldogs win.
It could impact who finishes fifth, and a potential elimination final.
If the Tigers lose – and the Pies win on Friday night – it’s more than likely the Tigers will finish fifth pending a big Hawks win over the Eagles. 

Port Adelaide v Fremantle @ Adelaide Oval
This match only comes into the equation if the Bulldogs don’t overcome the Crows. 
If that occurs – and the Crows haven’t overtaken the Bulldogs on percentage, and the Hawks haven’t beaten the Eagles – Bulldogs fans will be eagerly watching the outcome of this game
Port’s percentage is 103, compared to the Bulldogs’ 105.6 heading into round 23.
It could get very, very tight if the Power-Freo clash is a close one.