Significant Gap Emerges: Matthew Lloyd Assesses AFL Premiership Competitiveness After Four Rounds

Matthew Lloyd has identified four clubs as frontrunners for the premiership in the opening four rounds of the season, notably excluding both the impressive Adelaide and Gold Coast teams.

The undefeated Suns have started the season strongly, boasting a percentage of 172 after three matches, yet Lloyd remains unconvinced of their title credentials.

Additionally, he has omitted the seasoned teams of Collingwood and Geelong from his list.

“I don’t believe the Suns are quite ready yet, but my top four includes Hawthorn, Brisbane, GWS, and the Swans,” he declared during a segment on 3AW Radio.

“The Cats are always a threat, but they’ll have to drastically improve their performance.

“Brisbane is currently winning effortlessly, just doing what is necessary to secure victories. Hawthorn has also been exceptional to watch.

“The top teams are certainly powerful. It’s thrilling when there are nine or ten clubs battling hard until the very end of the season, but I fear there may be a significant gap this year.

“I don’t see many teams that stand out in the competition. Even though we’re only in round four, I suspect we’ve narrowed it down to just 11 competitive sides, while teams ranked 12th to 18th appear to be in serious trouble.

“The weekend’s results were largely as expected, with some heavy defeats. North Melbourne’s performance was poor, and the Eagles were not much better.

“I’m not sure if the Eagles have reached their lowest point yet. If Harley Reid and Oscar Allen both leave at the end of the season, that will signal true rock bottom for them.”

Reid and Allen have been the subject of speculation regarding moves away from the Eagles, with both players out of contract and facing crucial decisions ahead.