THE equation is simple.

If Melbourne defeats the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday night, then it will play in the 2018 NAB AFLW Grand Final.

Moreover, the winner of the Dees and Dogs will play in this year’s AFLW Grand Final.

In total, five teams can make this year’s AFLW Grand Final, with GWS Giants, Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions, the others in contention.

For Collingwood, Fremantle and Carlton, their Grand Final dream is over for 2018.

So, what happens if the Demons lose to the Dogs? Can they still make it?

Yes, they can. But there are hurdles.

If Melbourne does fall next week, it needs the Giants and Crows to both lose. And the Demons must also rely on the Brisbane Lions not overtaking them on percentage.

The fascinating aspect is that the Giants and Lions clash next Friday night at Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney.

It means Melbourne will know exactly where the Giants and Lions stand, entering its final home and away game of the season.

But it won’t know the result of the Adelaide and Collingwood clash at Olympic Park Oval, as its scheduled for Sunday afternoon.  

After defeating Carlton by 35 points at Ikon Park on Sunday evening, Melbourne set-up its Grand Final prospects by moving into second place on the ladder.

The Bulldogs are on top of the ladder, but only percentage separates them and the Demons, with both teams having won four from six home and away rounds this season.

Melbourne’s win – plus losses to the Dogs and Lions in round six – have created a nail-biting finish to the second AFLW season.

But what a great opportunity for the red and blue.

2018 AFLW ladder entering round seven

1 – Western Bulldogs: 4 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws, 148.4 percentage, WWLWWL, 16 points

2 – Melbourne: 4 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws, 119.3 percentage, WWLLWW, 16 points

3 – GWS Giants: 3 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 112.4 percentage, LLWDWW, 14 points

4 – Adelaide Crows: 3 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 101 percentage, LLWDWW, 14 points

5 – Brisbane Lions: 3 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws, 107 percentage, WLWWLL, 12 points

6 – Collingwood: 2 wins, 4 losses, 0 draws, 102.7 percentage, LLLWLW, 8 points

7 – Fremantle: 2 wins, 4 losses, 0 draws, 82.2 percentage, LWWLLL, 8 points

8 – Carlton: 2 wins, 4 losses, 0 draws, 47.9 percentage, WWLLLL, 8 points

Round seven AFLW fixture
Friday, March 16
Greater Western Sydney v Brisbane Lions
7:05pm (AEDT), Blacktown ISP

Saturday, March 17
Fremantle v Carlton
2:05pm (WST), Fremantle Oval

Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
7:10pm (AEDT), Whitten Oval

Sunday, March 18
Collingwood v Adelaide
2:35pm (AEDT), Olympic Park