Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney has made an early top-eight prediction for the 2024 season.
While we’re still over three months away from the campaign kicking off, Cooney has looked into his crystal ball to name who he thinks will be playing finals next season.
Cooney made just one change from last year’s top eight, with Gold Coast his tip to play finals for the first time in the club’s history under new coach Damien Hardwick.
Making way for the Suns is St Kilda, who finished sixth in 2023 but fell in a home elimination final to GWS.
Cooney refused to name his top eight in order but did name four other teams who he thinks will genuinely challenge for finals.
“In no particular order (my top eight is) Carlton, GWS, Melbourne, Brisbane, Collingwood, Port Adelaide, Sydney and Gold Coast,” Cooney said on SEN Sportsday.
“There’s been a lot of hoo-ha about Gold Coast’s Academy kids and Damien Hardwick being there. They’re cherry-ripe, they should be making the finals next year.
“I think the Bulldogs, Adelaide, Essendon and St Kilda can make the eight as well.”
One team that Cooney doesn’t even consider as a top 12 side at this stage is Geelong.
While many are tipping the Cats to bounce back in 2024 after missing finals in 2023 on the back of a premiership, Cooney isn’t convinced.
“I didn’t have the Cats in there,” Cooney said.
“Even though they still have a handy forward line, I’m a bit worried about their midfield.
“I think they’re a few years away.”
Check out Cooney’s top eight below
(In no particular order)
Carlton
GWS
Melbourne
Brisbane
Collingwood
Port Adelaide
Sydney
Gold Coast