Dwayne Russell’s recalibrated top 8 prediction

SEN’s Dwayne Russell has recalibrated his top 8 prediction after 15 rounds of the 2024 season.

Having witnessed what he has witnessed so far this season, Russell has reassessed things and predicted a slightly different top 8 to what he had earlier in the year.

He explained why he has these teams finishing from 1st to 8th at the end of the home and away season.

“Sydney at one. Obviously they finish top, it’s a no-brainer,” he said on SEN’s Dwayne’s World.

“Carlton finish second, probably a no-brainer as well. I think Carlton is the second best team in it right now. I’m looking at their draw and I do like them to finish second.

“I’ve got Collingwood finishing third. The Giants finishing fourth, Essendon finishing fifth, Brisbane in sixth.

“I had Fremantle in seventh before I realised the severity of the Alex Pearce injury but I’ll stick with what I came up with. And the Western Bulldogs to finish eighth.

“I’ve got Geelong missing out on percentage. Melbourne, with no Christian Petracca and Carlton Oliver down, I’ve got them missing out. I’ve got the Gold Coast missing, Port Adelaide missing out, and Hawthorn won’t quite win enough games to get there the way I’m seeing it.”

Russell’s new top 8:

1 - Sydney
2 - Carlton
3 - Collingwood
4 - GWS Giants
5 - Essendon
6 - Brisbane
7 - Fremantle
8 - Western Bulldogs

Russell’s top 8 has thrown up some very intriguing hypothetical finals.

“It would be Sydney and the Giants meeting first-up, Carlton and Collingwood which would be fun,” he added.

“Essendon and the Bulldogs meeting in an Elimination Final, and Brisbane hosting Fremantle at the Gabba in an Elimination Final.

“That would be a fun Week 1 of the finals.”