Only four teams are capable of winning 2019 premiership, Mick Malthouse writes

While many are predicting doom and gloom for Carlton in 2019, legendary coach Mick Malthouse isn’t one of them. He thinks the Blues could even be a top eight side. Read all Mick’s predictions here.

I don’t see another standout club challenging West Coast and Collingwood for the premiership cup this season — yet.

The Eagles and Magpies have the potential to be even better with their ins this season — Nic Naitanui, Andrew Gaff and Brad Sheppard; Jamie Elliott, Darcy Moore and Dayne Beams.

DON’T MISS MICK MALTHOUSE’S EXCLUSIVE FIRST COLUMN IN THE SUNDAY HERALD SUN

Question marks remain over Richmond’s ability to absorb Tom Lynch into its system. Lynch in the team means one less medium to small defensive type forward that the Tigers’ structure has been successfully based around.

And Richmond’s use of the ball going into attack is quite often bludgeoning it forward or kicking it in at all costs, whereas Lynch needs to lead on to something.

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No doubt the Tigers are a top side, but there’ll be a bit of adjustment needed to accommodate Lynch.

Worryingly also, is the lack of a Plan B. You always need something to fall back on if Plan A isn’t working and against Collingwood in the preliminary final, Plan B was Plan A and Richmond was destroyed. This needs to change.

Melbourne could be as good as anyone, but first and foremost it has to get over itself.

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Melbourne fails to know how to get the foot to the throat and press down hard. The Demons release the pressure too soon and play like millionaires. This needs to stop.

These are the only four clubs I see capable of winning the flag this year.

Hawthorn and Geelong keep you guessing merely because they are brilliant clubs. While Essendon offers so much but gives little. Its pre-season form has been dismal.

Richmond was “destroyed” by Collingwood in last year’s preliminary final, Mick Malthouse writes.

On the contrary, Carlton has shown it is on the up, with No.1 draft pick Sam Walsh an absolute stand out. While Patrick Cripps dominates in the midfield, the Blues could battle it out for a spot in the final eight.

Magpie Jaidyn Stephenson is another player to watch this season. He has the hallmarks of being anything he wants to be.

Adelaide is still rebounding from its 2017 Grand Final loss, while Sydney and St Kilda could flop.

The Saints have been hit hard with injury and I still think it was a mistake to get Dan Hannebery, as it proved through the pre-season.

DON’T MISS MICK MALTHOUSE’S EXCLUSIVE FIRST COLUMN IN THE SUNDAY HERALD SUN