Former Fremantle and Gold Coast midfielder Michael Barlow has listed the four clubs he thinks can win this year’s premiership.
Barlow, who currently coaches VFL side Werribee, fancies one of Melbourne, Geelong, Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs to win the 2021 flag.
Despite sitting in fourth spot, Barlow doesn’t consider Port Adelaide a premiership threat due to their poor record against the top four teams.
“I think it’s down to four,” Barlow told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“Yes, Port Adelaide have snuck into the top four with a win over St Kilda, but the trust for Port Adelaide at the moment against those top end sides is rapidly diminishing – they can’t get it done against fellow top four or five sides.
“I’m thinking Melbourne, Bulldogs, Geelong or the Lions.
“I really like the Doggies, I really do. Just in terms of their mix, their balance around the ball, they’ve got a bunch of stars that just get the football.
“Up forward, they’ve got the three-headed monster now with Jamarra (Ugle-Hagan), (Aaron) Naughton and Josh Bruce. I think the Bulldogs look the side for mine.
“I think there’s a lot of responsibility on Alex Keath in the back half. He’s the one you look at and think is a genuine A-grade defender.”
As for this year’s Brownlow Medal, Barlow has tipped Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli to take home ‘Charlie’, but expects St Kilda star Jack Steele to also poll well.
“I’m loving the work of Jack Steele,” he said.
“He’s just such a consistent performer. He does it tough – he tackles, but he also finds the footy and hits the scoreboard.
“(Marcus) Bontempelli and Steele, one and two.”
The Dogs have won a total of 10 Brownlow Medals with Adam Cooney the club’s last winner in 2008.