“I’m telling you”: The team to beat according to Akermanis

AFL great Jason Akermanis has identified the team to beat in the race for this season’s premiership.

The three-time Brisbane Lions premiership star acknowledges that there are still a number of teams firmly in the flag mix, but he rates one above them all.

Akermanis, the 2001 Brownlow Medallist, is a fan of the GWS Giants and believes they have what it takes to make their presence felt in September.

While it’s difficult to overlook his former club the Lions, as well as premiership teammates Craig McRae’s Collingwood and Chris Scott’s Geelong, ‘Aker’ is siding with Adam Kingsley and the Giants.

“Oh man, I don’t know, there’s no guarantees anymore,” Akermanis said on SENQ Breakfast when asked for his flag tip.

“If I talk about the physicality of footy then you would say they’re all a chance.

“If we’re talking about the mentality and psychology of what’s about to happen you would think Collingwood, Brisbane and GWS.

“If GWS don’t win - and I mean this with all respect, you know I love Brisbane, and I love ‘Fly’ and Collingwood and Geelong are there - but GWS, man.

“If you’re looking at that top eight and who should go from here and you’re just speculating, they are the team to beat, I’m telling you.”

Aker’s comments came prior to the Giants’ 88-point loss at the hands of the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night.