Dees "well and truly" in top four: Cornes

Port Adelaide legend Kane Cornes says Melbourne has all the tools to come from outside the top eight and make a premiership assault.

He believes the enigmatic Dees are the great unknown this year, with finals firmly on the radar for a talented, emerging list, after the heartbreak of being knocked out of contention last year in the final round, following a shock loss to Collingwood.

“I’ve got high expectations for them. I’ve got Melbourne well and truly in my top four,” he said on SEN Mornings.

“I think they’re going to come from outside the top eight and do a Richmond, and challenge for the flag this year.”

Sports broadcaster and passionate Hawthorn supporter Stephen Quartermain agreed with Cornes regarding the Dees, and admitted he would be intrigued to see how his Hawks will go, considering their strong end to the season, counteracted by the loss of club legends Luke Hodge and Josh Gibson.

“They’ve pretty much got everything they need now the Demons," he said.

"The blueprint could see them go all the way if you look at the past two seasons, maybe just lacking a bit of outside run is my only concern for the Dees.

“Hawthorn they could finish top four, they could finish 10th-12th. I have no idea what to expect from the Hawks this year.”