Luke Hodge goes through the top eight teams: Who is a genuine premiership threat?

Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge was put on the spot on SEN’s Sportsday, asked whether the current top eight teams have what it takes to win a Preliminary Final and make a Grand Final.

Hodge refused to rule any teams out of the race, but admitted he doesn’t have full faith in Port Adelaide, Geelong and Carlton.

Given how tight the ladder is, anything remains possible in 2024.

See Hodge’s thoughts below:

Sydney

“Yes they can.”

Brisbane

“Yes they can.”

Port Adelaide

“Not convinced yet. We’ve seen them finish top four and get knocked out in big pressure games.”

“Their test will be when they come up against a hard-nosed defensive side – when they turn the ball over, will they get scored against?

"I’m not sold on Port just yet.”

GWS Giants

“Yeah, I think they can.”

Geelong

“I’ve been told never to rule out Geelong, but they’re more questionable than the others.”

Fremantle

“I think Freo can with their midfield and the contested footy they win. They can dominate with their ruckmen. Their young forward line would be a bit of a concern. Can they shape up against the best backlines and kick a winning score in a final.”

Western Bulldogs

“They can. They’ve been so convincing. Rory Lobb and Liam Jones have stabilised the backline and can play on blokes and then you’ve got Bailey Dale’s run, their midfield is elite and their forward line is working as well as anyone’s.”

Carlton

“Carlton’s best is good enough.”