The eight sides to contest the AFL finals are confirmed, with only their order to be decided, after St Kilda closed the door on the remaining challengers with yesterday's runaway victory over Adelaide.

St Kilda, the most vulnerable side in the eight entering the round, overcame a poor start to thrash the Crows 13.17 (95) to 6.11 (47) at Telstra Dome.

With Collingwood having defeated Sydney on Saturday night to also confirm its finals berth, it left ninth-placed Richmond and 10th-placed Brisbane too far off the pace to bridge the gap in this weekend's last home and away round.

Geelong, well clear in top spot, brushed off another challenger with a 17.13 (115) to 13.4 (82) victory over fourth-placed North Melbourne at Skilled Stadium yesterday to again underline its clear premiership favouritism. But the losses by Sydney and Adelaide mean the Kangaroos remain in the box seat to retain fourth spot and the double chance.

North needs only to beat 13th-placed Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday to wrap up fourth position, which would mean it would meet the Cats again in a qualifying final.

Second-placed Hawthorn, who thrashed West Coast 19.19 (133) to 9.8 (62) at Subiaco yesterday, is assured of meeting the third-placed Western Bulldogs in the other qualifying final.

Collingwood climbed past Adelaide into fifth spot, with the help of a percentage boost against the Swans, and has the best chance of climbing into fourth spot should the Roos slip up against the Power.

If not, the Magpies and Crows can at least claim home elimination finals with victories this weekend.

Collingwood has the seemingly easier task, a clash with 14th-placed Fremantle at Subiaco on Friday night, while Adelaide meets the Bulldogs at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

Crows coach Neil Craig said the chance to start the finals series at home was a significant motivator for his side.

Should either of Collingwood or Adelaide lose, the Saints can earn themselves a home final with a win over 12th-placed Essendon at Telstra Dome on Sunday. AAP