MATTHEW RICHARDSON’S TOP 10: Why Brisbane, Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide could all win AFL flag

1. At the start of the season I tipped Brisbane to win the flag, so when they started 0-3 I wasn’t very confident in that prediction.

But after their ninth win in a row I’m starting to feel like it could happen. It hasn’t been without some challenges with injury in recent weeks, but they have been able to keep rolling. With home finals at the GABBA very likely I think this is the year for Fages and the Lions. They have challenged for a long time now. They must take this opportunity. Premiership windows close quickly.

2. The number two seed at time of writing is the Western Bulldogs.

I feel like Bevo has finally found the line up he’s been searching for and he’s been searching for a while. Some great positional moves have helped. But it’s his role players I like. Bramble, McNeil. West, Vandermeer and Garcia. They have been so important in this run of success.

3. I’m so happy for Kenny Hinkley, one of the great coaches of the last 15 years.

What a performance from Port last Saturday night. After the booing incident back in round 15 Port have won five of six games. The players responded big time for Ken. Maybe this could be the year. They are my number three seed.

4. What a round we have this weekend starting with the Swans and Pies on Friday night at the SCG.

The Swans have to respond with the Pies going for three wins in a row. In fact, strap yourself in as seven of the nine games this weekend have top eight ramifications. What a season we’re having.

5. How good is Jessie Hogan going?

He’s leading the Coleman medal and playing with a confidence I haven’t seen from him before. In the last quarter of the comeback win against the Hawks he seized all the moments that came his way and worked hard all game. He marked strongly and finished off in front of goal like a full forward should. He is an All-Australian lock with high footy IQ and is one of the feel good stories of 2024.

6. I noticed Jim Bartel resigned as a board member at GWS last week.

If I was a footy club looking to fill a key role in their footy department I’d get on the phone to Jimmy ASAP. A great footy mind with the resume required.

7. As a kid my old man always told me to tuck my jumper in, have my socks pulled up and boots freshly polished.

That was his key advice to me - if you can’t play like a footballer at least look like one! This is why it makes me so happy to see Jason Horne-Francis flying the flag for the old school. Socks up JHF, keep it up.

8. It’s been a tough couple of years for Dylan Shiel as he has been unfairly maligned and also injured.

He reminded everyone what a player he can be in the last quarter comeback win against Fremantle at the G. His centre bounce work won Essendon the game and kept their finals hopes alive.

9. Great to see the bull Cam Zurhaar extend his contract with the Kangaroos.

I know they have only won three games this year, but I’m convinced they can take a giant leap forward in 2025. They are stacked with talent and will deliver on it for their long-suffering fans. I think he would have regretted leaving.

10. Thanks Dustin Martin – you’re the best footballer Richmond has produced.

The joy you gave Tigerland is unmeasurable. You brought people together. We can’t thank you enough. All the best with your next chapter. My favourite Dusty moment was his fourth goal in the 2020 GF, surely I don’t need to explain why.