Michael Barlow, Scott Cummings and Tim Gossage have named their Top 4s for the 2023 season.
Former Fremantle and Gold Coast midfielder (and current Werribee VFL coach) Barlow has the Brisbane Lions as the team to beat this year.
Reigning premier Geelong is also in the mix along with the Western Bulldogs and Sydney.
See his explanations below:
Barlow’s Top 4
1. Brisbane
“Brisbane, for mine, are the ones to chase,” the said on SEN WA Breakfast.
“I know Geelong haven’t lost for 16 games in a row and are the reigning premier, but look at that Brisbane side.
“The players that won’t get a game in Round 1 can indicate how strong a side will be.
“There’s stars everywhere you look.”
2. Geelong
“The two sides who I think have gotten stronger with acquisitions are Brisbane and Geelong.
“(Jack) Bowes is going to be terrific. Put him in that environment and he’s just going to go to another level.
“Tanner Bruhn will be on the fringes of that side but he’s 20 and a top-end draft pick.
“Ollie Henry is the wildcard. He’ll be good this year, but beyond this year when Jeremy Cameron gets older and Tom Hawkins eventually retires, Henry steps in and becomes an A-grader.
“Those two teams are my top two.”
3. Western Bulldogs
“I think they’ll have a really good year and will be knocking on the door of a prelim and potential Grand Final.”
4. Sydney
“They got smacked around in the Grand Final but they’ve got a guy there called Errol Gulden who may have put in one of the greatest February performances.”
Barlow also listed the rest of his top 8, predicting his old club the Dockers and Collingwood to slip out.
- Melbourne
- Carlton
- GWS
- Richmond
Cummings’ Top 4
Coleman Medallist Cummings is also in the camp of the Lions but does not have the Cats in his Top 4.
1. Brisbane
“They’ve addressed a couple of issues that have plagued them and stopped them in finals campaigns.
“I think Brisbane are really good.”
2. Melbourne
“I think Melbourne will be back.”
3. Richmond
“Richmond are the ones who are going to really improve this year.”
4. Fremantle
“I’ve got Fremantle sitting in fourth.”
Gossage’s Top 4
Veteran broadcaster Gossage makes it a trio of Brisbane backers,
- Brisbane
- Western Bulldogs
- Melbourne
- Geelong
