Nathan Buckley has concerns with Melbourne despite Simon Goodwin’s side sitting in the top four.
The Demons picked up a crucial win in Round 17 with a 58-79 victory over St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, but Buckley wasn’t all that impressed with how they secured the four points.
Given the Saints still had their opportunities to win and were actually ahead on expected score despite losing Max King, Seb Ross and Zaine Cordy to injury early in the piece, Buckley didn’t take much from Melbourne’s triumph.
“Melbourne, I have real concerns about them,” Buckley said on SEN Breakfast.
“They beat a St Kilda side who had three players out really quickly.
“They had 19 scoring shots for a whole game, 46 entries against a crippled side.
“With the expected score, we actually had St Kilda winning.”
As the ladder stands, Melbourne are on 40 points with 10 wins from 16 games, one game ahead of Essendon, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs, who sit fifth, sixth and seventh respectively on nine wins apiece.
While the Demons look favourites to secure a top-four spot, Buckley isn’t sure how well they’ll fare across a tough upcoming fortnight which could see them back in the glut of the chasing pack.
“Melbourne are now on 10 wins,” Buckley said.
“Their next two games they play Brisbane at the MCG - now Brisbane can't win at the MCG apparently - but I think Brisbane should be favourites going into this game.
“Then they play Adelaide at the MCG, and Adelaide can’t win at the MCG, apparently.
“I reckon in two weeks’ time, we'll sit here, and Melbourne won't just be fighting for their position in the top four, they'll have to be winning games to finish in the top eight.
“They haven't kicked over 80 points in seven games.”
Given Melbourne’s struggling attack and the absence of Clayton Oliver and Bayley Fritsch, Buckley doesn’t believe they can win the flag with how they’re currently tracking.
He named four sides that he rates as better premiership hopefuls.
“(As it sits), I don't think Melbourne can win it,” Buckley said.
“Collingwood, Port Adelaide, and Brisbane (are better contenders), and I still think the Cats have got the potential (to repeat).
“I still think four spots are up for grabs.
“Kick over 80 points in a game, and you’ll be far more competitive.”
Melbourne next face Brisbane on Friday night at the MCG in a game that could shape the top four come the end of the season.