Alastair Clarkson makes his 2024 flag tip and names the hardest player to coach against

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson believes the Sydney Swans are the best team in the AFL.

The Kangaroos lost to the Swans by 79 points at the SCG in Round 18 which may have helped Clarkson’s selection when he was asked who he thinks will win the flag this year.

The four-time premiership coach also surprisingly mentioned a certain Swans veteran as the player who could be key to their success in 2024.

“I think Sydney, I think they are the best side in the competition,” Clarkson said on SEN Breakfast.

“Their key is player Rampe. When he is out Sydney are rudderless. When he’s in they’re a great side.

“He’s back now and if he stays fit I reckon Sydney are going to be really tough to beat.”

John Longmire’s Swans currently sit a game clear on top of the ladder after arresting a three-game losing streak to beat Collingwood in dramatic fashion last weekend.

Master coach Clarkson was also asked which current player is the most difficult to coach against.

He put forward the name of Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli who the Roos coincidentally take on this weekend.

“We’re coming up against one who is pretty tough this week - Bontempelli,” said Clarkson.

“His flexibility to play mid, mid-forward and rotate through a whole heap of positions. He’s become even more difficult because they’ve got a deeper midfield now.

“They can rotate and he’s sharing the workload with his fellow midfielders better than he ever has and he’s still playing great footy.

“Combatting someone like a Bontempelli is a really tough ask because you try to get him done and then (Tom) Liberatore or (Adam) Treloar or (Ed) Richards or someone else pops up.

“That’s the beauty of the depth of the midfield. If you try to put too much time into Bontempelli then someone else pops up.

“That’s what all really good sides are trying to develop, that depth through the middle of the ground.”

North meet the Dogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday from 1:10pm AEST.

Clarkson’s flag tip the Swans are in action against Essendon at the same venue on Friday night.