Herald Sun experts list their flag fancies in one of the most even AFL seasons in memory

It’s one of the most even AFL seasons in memory and after Round 18, no-one has emerged as a clear frontrunner for the premiership. Our experts give their verdict for this year’s flag.

2 min read

July 23, 2019 - 5:01PM

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Who will win the 2019 premiership?

Geelong is a game clear on top of the ladder but there are up to six teams in contention for one of the most open flags in recent memory.

With that in mind, we’ve asked the experts to list — in order — who they think are the teams to beat this season. Right now.

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It’s not an easy task. See below to see who the Herald Sun footy team thinks will be holding the premiership cup aloft on that last Saturday in September.

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Who will hold the cup aloft this year?

JON ANDERSON

Richmond

West Coast

Geelong

Collingwood

Ando says: The Tigers were clearly the best team for all but one game in 2018 when they were embarrassed by Collingwood. That pain will be the difference.

Toby Nankervis and the Tigers were stunned in the preliminary final last year. They are again the AFL’s hottest team. Pic: Getty Images

CHRIS CAVANAGH

Richmond

West Coast

Geelong

Brisbane

Essendon

Cav says: Tiger Time might be upon us once again. Richmond is looking ripe at the right time of year, has been to the pinnacle before and now has Tom Lynch in the forward line.

If the Eagles do enough to earn home finals in Perth, watch out.

Geelong is in a rut but still has the No.1 defence in the competition and defence wins premierships, as they say.

Like West Coast, Brisbane will be dangerous if it gets home finals, having gone 7-1 at the Gabba this year.

Essendon is the wildcard and if it can mend its injury list before finals and continue its momentum, I wouldn’t be counting the Bombers out of making a serious run, even from outside the top-four.

SCOTT GULLAN

Geelong

Richmond

Collingwood

West Coast

Scotty says: The Cats are having the speed hump they needed. Will realign come September.

Tom Hawkins and the Cats have lost form but remain well placed. Pic: Getty Images

JON RALPH

Richmond

Brisbane

West Coast

Geelong

Ralphy says: Brisbane are bringing sexy back and the Tigers are playing the type of intoxicating, fast-forward football that brings fans through the gates. I believe Brisbane’s brand of football can stand up in September and I hope it can too for the sake of eye-catching football. The trend is your friend in AFL and imagine what it would do if two teams who love attack (but still value defence) played off in a Grand Final.”