Matthew Richardson has attempted to sort the sides he believes will play finals footy after witnessing what’s happened in the opening four rounds.
Western Bulldogs, Melbourne and Sydney currently occupy the top three positions with a 4-0 record, ahead of Port Adelaide and Adelaide on 3-1, with West Coast, Carlton and Richmond making up the top eight.
There are a number of clubs sitting narrowly outside the eight who share a 2-2 record with that trio making it a competitive chase for premium spots.
On Sportsday, former Richmond star Richardson had his say on the clubs he is expecting to play finals after taking in Rounds 1-4.
Western Bulldogs and Melbourne
“I think the Bulldogs are top four and I’ll say top six for Melbourne.”
Sydney
“Still waiting a little bit there on Sydney. They’ll play finals, fourth to eighth.”
“It’s real, but can they sustain that with a young team?”
Port Adelaide
“Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma are injured, young kids that add vibrancy to the team.
“They’re not going to lose many games at home, if any.
“If they go 50-50 on the road, they’re still going to be pushing top four.”
Adelaide
“They’re going to be 4-1 if they beat Freo who haven’t won there for years, so…”
Richo offered no firm opinion on the Crows.
West Coast
“You can get them in some areas then other days you just think they’re unbeatable.
“If they get the game on their terms, they’re a top-two team I reckon, but if you can get it to ground level you can really worry them, like St Kilda did in the second half last week.
“They’ll play finals because they’re not going to lose many at Optus Stadium.
“They need to get (Luke) Shuey and (Elliot) Yeo back.”
Carlton
“At the start of the year you’d think Carlton are a 50-50 type team. They could finish anywhere from 6 to 12.”
Richmond
“Richmond still play finals.”
Fremantle
“No.”
Geelong
“They’ve got to get everyone back. They’ve got to get Jeremy Cameron out there.
“They’ve got nine games in Geelong, they’ll probably win all of those so they’ll play finals.”
St Kilda
“Big win Thursday night and they’re back on track, but I think Richmond will win.
“50-50 for them to play finals.”
Essendon and Brisbane
“Brisbane have to win to stay in contention and if they lose they’re in a bit of strife.
“If they (the Lions) lose this week, yes I’m worried. Lachie Neale is battling, the forward line is not clicking, Charlie Cameron is struggling, (Eric) Hipwood has had one good game, (Joe) Daniher is going ok, but they need to just get in sync forward of centre.
“If Essendon wins it’s a positive but I don’t think they’re ready to play finals.
“If they (the Bombers) finish anywhere from 8-12 that’s a pretty good result for them."
Collingwood
“I don’t think they’re going to beat the Eagles in Perth. I know they did it five games ago but a fair bit has happened since then.
“I think if they lose this week it’s going to be getting too hard.”
GWS
Richo suggested the Giants are in the same boat as Collingwood.
Gold Coast, Hawthorn and North Melbourne
This trio will struggle to play finals.