It’s unusual that the NRL has ten teams who would consider themselves contenders to fill positions 3 to 8 in the top eight. My perception is that usually there would be four or so teams battling out for spots 7 and 8.
This is predicated on Penrith and Brisbane being the top two.
Similarly the AFL have a larger than usual contingent of teams with mathematical claims to still making the final eight, including a number of teams who have been consistent finalists but find themselves lower than position 8 at the moment.
(Draws count as correct)
NRL (last round 6/8; season tally 108/156)
Penrith
Cronulla
Brisbane
Souths
New Zealand
Easts
Melbourne
Newcastle
(Draws count as correct)
AFL (last round 6/9; season tally 122/164)
Collingwood
Sydney
Essendon
Brisbane
Melbourne
Fremantle
Footscray
Saint Kilda
Port Adelaide
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