SuperFooty reporters tips on 2017 Grand Finalists, Brownlow winner, Dustin Martin and Nathan Buckley

GRAND finalists, Rising Star and Brownlow picks, Bucks’ future, emerging Dees and Dusty’s contract. Our team of experts predict what’s to come in this unpredictable 2017.

Is time up for Nathan Buckley? Picture: Getty Images

WE’VE turned for home in the 2017 AFL season and have an eye on September.

But in one of the most unpredictable seasons in history, nothing is certain.

Still, that hasn’t stopped the SuperFooty experts from putting their necks on the line.

We’ve canvassed our reporters on seven key issues — from Nathan Buckley and Dusty’s future to the likely grand finalists.

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Check out a selection of their predictions below ... have they altered from their pre-season crystal ball?

Are we set to see a lot of this in September? Picture: AAP

1. WHO PLAYS IN THE GRAND FINAL?

Mark Robinson says: It’ll be GWS v Adelaide.

Jon Ralph says: Can’t give up on the Dogs yet despite recent form. They will take on GWS in a reprise of last year’s preliminary final.

Chris Cavanagh says: Eeny, meeny, miny, moe ... Let’s go with Greater Western Sydney and Geelong. But, really, who knows?

Glenn McFarlane says: Greater Western Sydney look morals to make their maiden Grand Final, unless they get a dose of big-headed-itis. Not convinced about the other side, but leaning towards Adelaide as the Crows might get two home finals to provide an easier entry.

Lauren Wood says: Who knows?! At this rate, it could be a side that sits outside the top 10! Think the injection the Giants will get from those returning from injury will be tough to stop, and think they’ll meet the Cats. But don’t discount the Dees. Wouldn’t that be huge?

The Bulldogs face a battle just to make the eight, but Ralphy has faith. Picture: AAP

2. TOP EIGHT — WHO COMES IN, WHO GOES OUT?

Jon Anderson says: The Bulldogs come in and the Saints go out.

Gilbert Gardiner says: Western Bulldogs and Sydney will find a way to get in the eight. Both are built for finals football and should benefit from momentum. Don’t put a line through Essendon just yet. St Kilda and West Coast in all sorts, while Richmond no certainty with a couple of tricky assignments in the run home.

Mark Robinson says: Bulldogs, Sydney will come in for St Kilda and West Coast.

Michelangelo Rucci says: In: Sydney, Out: St Kilda. After the Bulldogs last year, who would doubt Sydney taking the flag from eighth?

Finals are that way ... and Melbourne looks headed there. Picture: AAP

3. HOW FAR CAN THE DEMONS GO?

Jay Clark says: Semi-final. Maybe further. Been a heck of a performance from a footy club that has been belted around the ears for a decade. Play fearless football.

Sam Landsberger says: Premiers. As backed by this bandwagon Demon two months ago. Real. Deal.

Glenn McFarlane says: If things went right, the Demons can go all the way. But at the very least Melbourne will play finals for the first time in more than a decade, and should get through to the penultimate weekend.

Is time up for Bucks? Picture: Getty Images

4. WILL NATHAN BUCKLEY COACH COLLINGWOOD NEXT YEAR?

Jon Anderson says: His chances are best summed up by that old Australian vernacular phrase “Buckley’s and None”.

Chris Cavanagh says: After 13 games last season, Collingwood was 5-8. After 13 games this season, Collingwood is 5-8. Haven’t gone backwards, have been highly competitive. Hard to see him being sacked.

Glenn McFarlane says: Just too early to call. Nine games to go, and suspect he needs more wins than losses in that bracket to guarantee him an extra year.

Jon Ralph says: No. Needs to win seven of nine games to get into the finals. Has won seven of the past 20 games. The players have come around and are behind him, but the board will need to decide whether someone can get more out of this list. In the end think they will make a decision based on change.

Lauren Wood says: Yes. He painted himself into a bit of a corner with those “finals or bust” comments, but I think there’s more to it.

Danger might land back-to-back Brownlows.

5. WHO WINS THE BROWNLOW?

Jay Clark says: Dusty. Shows a contract circus doesn’t always affect s player’s headspace or performance. Worth $1.2 million a year.

Sam Landsberger says: Patrick Dangerfield, with Clayton Oliver the smoky.

Glenn McFarlane says: Lock in the quinella now — Patrick Dangerfield-Dustin Martin. But tipping Paddy to become the first player since Robert Harvey (1997-98) to win back-to-back Brownlow Medals. Polled 35 votes last year. He might only need 28 this year.

Lauren Wood says: Dustin Martin. Has taken his game to the next level and it’s scary stuff. Consistently stellar which is exactly what it takes.

Andrew McGrath will be in the finish for the Rising Star. Pic: Michael Klein

6. WHO WINS THE RISING STAR?

Sam Landsberger says: Ryan Burton from Andy McGrath, Sam Powell-Pepper, Caleb Marchbank and Eric Hipwood.

Mark Robinson says: Andrew McGrath

Jon Ralph says: Andrew McGrath. Think he’s been more eye-catching than Ryan Burton and got more of the ball. Would be happy with either of them but he is my pick.

Michelangelo Rucci says: Sam Powell-Pepper. Dear Kevin, just put SPP on the ballot paper.

Dustin Martin will be able to buy A LOT of Sherrins after his next contract. Picture: Getty Images

7. WHERE WILL DUSTIN MARTIN PLAY NEXT YEAR?

Gilbert Gardiner says: Sydney. Could Dusty be the next Bondi Billionaire? Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh are on the way out while Tippett is due for a haircut.

Glenn McFarlane says:Richmond. C’mon Ralph, just do the deal mate. As far as we can tell, Dusty seems happy at Punt Rd, he’ll get his $1 million per season, and he’s the perfect babysitter for Cotch’s kids. Let’s just get this thing done.

Jon Ralph says: Richmond. Loves the club, they would match most deals, he is happy playing in a successful side, he plays in front of massive crowds. I can’t see why he would want to go anywhere else.