Last year's premier league grand finalists Bridgenorth, division one surprise packets Old Scotch and 2019 wooden-spooners Scottsdale all sit even on 16 points, with a heartbreak waiting to happen as Rocherlea and Deloraine sit with one foot on the throne.

As things begin to get serious for those involved in the wacky and wonderful season that is 2020, The Examiner predicts the way things might swing come semi-final weekend on September 19, which sees first play fourth and second battle third.

Where they stand: First, six wins and a loss (24 points) with a percentage of 165.67.

Games left: Bridgenorth and the bye.

Since dropping the first game of the season to Scottsdale, Andrew Cox-Goodyer's men have been untouchable. Expect the same to be the case on Saturday as they finish their season despite their leader making several changes for their final home-and-away game.

Where they stand: Second, five wins and a loss (20 points) with a percentage of 178.57.

Games left: Old Scotch and UTAS.

Taking the reins this season, Lochy Dornauf and his mob of Kangaroos have only fallen at the hands of the side above him but should reclaim top spot and take the minor premiership with wins over division one sides Old Scotch and UTAS in the coming weeks.

Where they stand: Third, four wins and two losses (16 points) with a percentage of 170.89.

Games left: Rocherlea and Scottsdale.

With third, fourth and fifth all equal on points heading into the final two rounds, there is going to be a hard-luck story come finals time. Unfortunately the Parrots may be the side to miss out with clashes against Rocherlea and Scottsdale ahead.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

Where they stand: Fourth, four wins and two losses (16 points) with a percentage of 162.63.

Games left: Deloraine and Old Launcestonians.

The surprise packets of this year's proceedings have been boosted by the temporary return of several Victorian university students and have hit the ground running. The leading division one side have taken out premier league outfits Scottsdale and Bracknell, while a win against Old Launcestonians under lights in the last round should secure a finals berth.

Where they stand: Fifth, four wins and two losses (16 points) with a percentage of 153.72.

Games left: Old Launcestonians and Bridgenorth.

A loss to Old Scotch early in the frame looked like it could harm the Magpies but if they are able to see off Old Launcestonians and the highly-fancied Parrots, a finals spot beckons for Ethan Petterwood upon his homecoming.

Where they stand: Sixth, three wins and four losses (12 points) with a percentage of 126.14.

Games left: Bye and Meander Valley.

Tight losses to Old Scotch, Scottsdale and Rocherlea have unfortunately told a fairly bleak story for Andrew Philpott's men, with the experienced leader left wondering what might have been but the Redlegs could build momentum for next year with a big win over Meander.

Where they stand: Seventh, two wins and four losses (eight points) with a percentage of 122.55

Games left: Scottsdale and Old Scotch.

Coming into the competition, Blues coach Laine Cleaver put it upon his side to be the shield's most successful division one outfit. While Old Scotch look like they will take that mantle from them in term's of matches won, Old Launcestonians have the chance to steal finals from their grasp at home under lights.

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Where they stand: Eighth, zero wins and six losses (zero points) with a percentage of 22.13.

Games left: UTAS and Bracknell.

The Suns have been competitive in stages against their well-fancied opponents throughout and will be better off for their 2020 experience next season. They should pick up their first win of the season against UTAS this weekend and the following contest against Bracknell will be an interesting one.

Where they stand: Ninth, zero wins and six losses (zero points) with a percentage of 18.66.

Games left: Meander Valley and Deloraine.

It's been a tough first season for the re-named University of Tasmania Lions with potential recruitment plans thrown into turmoil due to border restrictions. The next few seasons and ongoing changes to life in general will be pivotal given the official shift to the University name.

Deloraine

Rocherlea

Scottsdale

Old Scotch

Bridgenorth

Bracknell

Old Launcestonians

Meander Valley

UTAS