Captains' picks of AFL 2022 winners

RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL AFL CAPTAINS' POLL FOR 2022

TOP EIGHT

Reigning premiers Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane have all been unanimously tipped to play finals again, while Port Adelaide (16 votes) are considered near-certainties and Richmond (13) are widely expected to bounce back into the top-eight. Sydney (11), GWS (nine), Essendon and Carlton (both five), Fremantle (two) and St Kilda (one) were also tipped to reach September.

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Last year: No captains predicted Richmond's slide to 12th position, while only three correctly tipped West Coast and St Kilda to miss the top-eight. None of the rival skippers backed eventual surprise-packets Sydney to play finals.

GRAND FINAL OPPONENT

Somewhat surprisingly, the Demons were only tipped by six rival skippers to reach the grand final again this year. Brisbane (five) and the Bulldogs (three) were popular choices ahead of Port Adelaide and Richmond (two each).

Last year: Not one rival skipper picked Melbourne or the Bulldogs to reach the 2021 decider, with most favouring Richmond or Brisbane. The Tigers were coming off a golden run of three premierships in the previous four seasons.

BROWNLOW MEDAL WINNER

Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli (eight) is an overwhelming favourite again, while no rival club captains believe Power midfielder Ollie Wines will repeat last year's victory. Melbourne's Clayton Oliver (four) is considered Bontempelli's main competitor for the game's most coveted individual award.

Last year: Only one rival captain correctly picked Wines in 2021. Bontempelli (seven) was the skippers' top pick and finished second in the count.

COLEMAN MEDAL WINNER

Harry McKay is backed by six rival skippers to top the