In the wake of Round 21, Nathan Buckley believes there are five genuine contenders for the AFL premiership.
The ladder shows Geelong on top ahead of Collingwood in second with Melbourne third, Sydney fourth and Brisbane fifth.
It is from that quintet that Buckley sees the 2022 flag winner.
“I would suggest Geelong are right up there, Sydney are a premiership chance, Collingwood you have to say they’re a premiership chance given their form,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“And that’s before we get to the reigning premiers in Melbourne and potentially a Brisbane side that is coming through as well.”
Buckley has the Cats as outright favourites, marginally ahead of the Swans, with the Magpies, Demons and Lions on the next level.
“I would suggest that right now Geelong are the premiership favourites,” he added.
“I’m not looking at the market, I think Geelong are the premiership favourites.
“I would put Sydney next and then I reckon you’ve got Collingwood, Melbourne and Brisbane all on the same level.”
The former Pies player and coach says he is intrigued by this Sunday’s crunch clash between Sydney and Collingwood at the SCG which will determine a top four position for either side.
“That will be for a guaranteed top four berth, that’s going to be an amazing game,” he added.
“One thing I would say about that, finals is about standing up in the moments when they matter most and it is isolated contests that actually make the difference.
“If Collingwood have been able to do that consistently throughout the home and away (season), they’re schooling themselves up to be able to do it at the end.”
As it stands, Geelong sits atop the rankings as flag favourite, ahead of Melbourne, Sydney, Collingwood, Brisbane, Fremantle, Richmond and Carlton.
.