WITH just six rounds remaining in the home and away season, the race for finals action is well and truly heating up.

Just three wins separate first and ninth position on the ladder, with some crucial games coming up for the 12 sides which can still compete in the post-season.

The Demons, who have won 12 of their 16 matches, currently sit in second spot just 2.7 percent behind Geelong and 9.6 percent clear of Fremantle.

A clash with Port Adelaide (12^th) this week will be crucial in helping them remain four points ahead of Brisbane (fourth), Carlton (fifth) and Collingwood (sixth).

Ironically, those three sides, who are all in striking distance, make up the Dees’ final three match-ups of the year.

In between, Melbourne heads to Marvel Stadium for a Grand Final rematch with the Western Bulldogs (10^th), before jetting off to Perth for a potentially tie-breaking clash with the Dockers (3^rd). 

Given the nature of the season with an evenly poised competition, most sides face a challenging six weeks.

Here’s how many top eight opponents each of the top eight sides will play ahead of the finals:

Geelong (one), Melbourne (four), Fremantle (three), Brisbane (three), Carlton (four), Collingwood (three), Sydney (two), Richmond (two).

Melbourne’s remaining matches:

Round 18 v Port Adelaide @ TIO Traeger Park

Sunday 17^th of July, 3:20pm AEST

Round 19 v Western Bulldogs @ Marvel Stadium

Saturday 23^rd of July, 7:25pm AEST

Round 20 v Fremantle @ Optus Stadium

Friday 29^th of July, 8:10pm AEST

Round 21 v Collingwood @ MCG

Friday 5^th of August, 7:50pm AEST

Round 22 v Carlton @ MCG

Saturday 13^th of August, 7:25pm AEST

Round 23 v Brisbane @ The Gabba

TBC