Tense is always the associated word and this season is no different with four teams still fighting for a spot in the top flight.

 

After the Melbourne Knights and Altona Magic played out a 2-2 draw in round 19 to give neither side a distinct advantage, both will continue to battle.

 

The current standings are:

9 - Bentleigh Greens              -15       18 pts

10 - Altona Magic                   -4         17 pts

------------------------------------------------------------

11 - Melbourne Knights          -6         17 pts

12 - Sunshine George Cross -18       15 pts

 

The team from Somers Street must be rueing the three-point deficit handed to them prior to the start of the season.

 

The Knights sit in 11th and are only in the bottom two on goal difference.

 

In round 20, the proud club faces another relegation battler in Bentleigh at Kingston Heath.

 

The Greens have a game in hand and just one road trip on their journey home.

 

Early in the season, it looked as though the promoted club would be a finals contender but it has dropped off.

 

Coach Goran Lozanovski parted ways and former Georgies coach Andy O'Dell stepped in.

 

The run home features the game against the Knights, a trip to Hume City, a home catch-up game against Northcote and hosting table-topping Richmond on the last day of the season.

 

Games against the Knights and the unpredictable Northcote are winnable while points against Richmond and Hume are unlikely.

 

The clash between the Knights and the Greens shapes as future defining for the two clubs.

 

Meanwhile, reigning champion Altona Magic faces an even tougher run home.

 

They face a trio of top five sides - Hume City at home, Richmond and Oakleigh away.

 

A side that has won just once on the road this season must capture at least a point when it hosts City.

 

There is also a chance it could run into a Richmond team that has sewn up top spot, but also a Cannons side that is fighting for a finals position.

 

The only team whose future looks bleaker is Sunshine George Cross.

 

On the back of nine-straight losses it faces Oakleigh at home, the Thunder in Dandenong and South Melbourne.

 

It appears State League One football is where the Georgies will find themselves after a horror second half of the season.

 

Former coach O'Dell moved on but new boss Theo Constantinou has failed to gain a point in charge.

 

Despite looking destined for the drop, a change in fortunes with a win will move them out of the bottom two.

 

If the Greens continue to slip up both the Magic and the Knights could somehow escape and remain in the top flight.

 

Tense and nervy, the final day of the season will decide who goes.

 

With games played at the same time, the Knights will be at Gully, Bentleigh will host Richmond, the Magic will be in Oakleigh and the Georgies will host South Melbourne.

 

Tough tasks for all, but typically those who play with the most courage and endeavour will survive.