By MARK CASHMAN

The race is on for the top six and a crack at the Shute Shield in all the big end of season games.

In this topsy turvy season complicated by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic who are the teams most likely to finals footy come October?

There are five rounds left before the playoffs begin and the even-ness of the competition is underlined by the fact that there are only a handful of wins from first place until sixth and nine teams still have a mathematical chance to make the grade.

Here’s how your club is sitting as we head into Round Nine and the job they have to do before season’s end.