“I’m tipping them to win it”: Dwayne Russell makes his 2024 flag tip ahead of finals series

SEN host Dwayne Russell is picking Port Adelaide to win the 2024 premiership.

Russell made his prediction after the Power qualified for the finals in second position following their 87-67 win over Fremantle on Sunday at Optus Stadium.

Given that they could have still finished top two with a loss and Fremantle would have qualified for September had they won, Russell thinks that Port’s Round 24 performance was full of merit and holds them in good stead for the next month.

The Power now host Geelong in a Qualifying Final next weekend, and if they win that they won’t need to leave Adelaide until the Grand Final should they get there.

Russell is also picking Sydney to make the Grand Final and as Port Adelaide beat them 148-36 in Round 21, he thinks that Ken Hinkley’s side has what it takes to lift the cup aloft this year.

“It sets up beautifully for them. I said a couple of months ago that Port could win the flag, they’re looking really good,” Russell told SEN Afternoons.

“I know they’re going to lose Kane Farrell and Dan Houston is out. But if their midfield went head-to-head with Sydney's midfield on the MCG on Grand Final day - which I think it probably will – I think Port’s a good chance to knock them over again, given they smacked them a few weeks ago.

“It was a massive win away from home on Sunday against the team with the incentive of winning in front of their home crowd to make the finals. What more could Freo want?

“Port can win the flag from second. I'm not sure they could have won it from third, but they can win it now from second.

“In fact, I'm tipping them to win it right now.”

Port Adelaide last won the AFL premiership two decades ago in 2004. They last made a Grand Final in 2007 where they lost to Geelong.