The Tamworth Swans - a side who have endured prolonged torment - are odds-on to secure their first grand final berth since 2009.
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The Swans took a big step towards reserving a grand final date with Gunnedah at Wolseley Oval on September 26 after thumping the Suns in Moree on Saturday: 28.20 (188) to 3.7 (25)
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In Gunnedah, the Bulldogs beat New England 26.15 (171) to 8.4 (52).
With one round remaining, the third-placed Nomads are four points behind the second-placed Swans - who have a significant percentage advantage over New England.
If the Nomads beat the Saints in the final round and the Swans lose to the Kangaroos, the Nomads and the Swans would both finish on 24 points. But the Swans' current percentage is 182.83, and New England's is 103.40.
On Sunday, Swans coach Paul Kelly said his side had set the goal of booking a spot in the finale by winning their final four matches - and that remained the case.
He said had not even looked at the table, for fear he would jinx his side. "Like I said, I'm a bit superstitious. So we're not even planning anything till next week," he said of celebrating a grand final berth, if that happened.
Bulldogs president Hamish Russell said his side expected to face the Swans in the showpiece clash, while AFL North West president Sonia Martin said "never say never" regarding the Swans not being leapfrogged by New England.
The Kangaroos will go into the Swans encounter with winning momentum after claiming their second victory of the season: a 16.10 (106) to 9.7 (61) defeat of the Saints at No 1 Oval on Saturday.
