The Melbourne Demons are 7-0 and have put together an incredible 14-match winning streak dating back to round 20 last year. So what teams are actually capable of beating the champs?
With the AFL season now seven rounds old, it already looks like the Demons will be the team to beat, starting their title defence undefeated.
It would be unrealistic to think that the Dees will go 22-0 through the season, so let’s look at the teams who are capable of beating last season’s AFL premiers.
Brisbane Lions (6-1), 2nd
The high-scoring Lions are now three on the trot, having emphatically won the QClash and taking down fellow top contender Sydney in the past two weeks.
They’ve only lost the one game this season, down in Geelong.
The Lions just ended a winless drought at the SCG dating back to 2009, proving they’re ready to perform under the brighter lights this year.
Sydney Swans (5-2), 5th
The Swans went down to Brisbane, ending a run of three straight, but by no means embarrassed themselves against one of the League’s top outfits.
They flexed their muscles on ANZAC Day too, coming back down 32 against Hawthorn to storm home and win by 41 points.
The Swans are a young, fast-running side who play an up-tempo style of footy that can pile on points, led by one of footy’s best ever forwards Buddy Franklin, who added six more career goals against a Lions defence that normally runs a tight ship down back.
Embed from Getty ImagesFremantle (6-1), 3rd
The Dockers have also been helped by their early draw, but are no doubt a team on the rise.
They have beaten Kilda and Carlton… teams that, spoiler, also feature on this list.
Freo’s riding a five-match winning streak and the win in Geelong has certainly captured nation-wide attention.
Geelong (4-3), 7th
The Cats are averaging just under 100 points a game, led by star forward targets Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron – both up there in the Coleman Medal race.
Geelong looked good in their Round 4 win over the Lions, but have already left fans disappointed at other stages this season.
It’s an aging list, but in theory the Cats’ best is still good enough to trouble the teams above them.
St Kilda (5-2), 4th
The Saints have started the season impressively, despite going down to the Power on the weekend.
The concern is scoring efficiency, as its wayward 4.18 (42) total against Port ultimately cost them a 6th straight win.
It’s their time to be tested against the Demons this week, so the speculation ends this Sunday at the MCG.
Western Bulldogs (3-4), 10th
Although the Bulldogs are still under 500, the talent is still there.
Give them a chance to clear up its mounting injury toll and the threat level will again rise, as they prepare for an important meeting with Port Adelaide this Friday night.
