We might still be three weeks from the start of the pre-season competition, but recently retired Bulldog and Bomber, Adam Cooney, has had a go at predicting his top eight for 2017.

Speaking on SEN on Monday, Cooney has predicted the Giants to blitz the competition and finish in top spot.

The Brownlow Medalist has a few surprises, with Essendon climbing back into the eight, as well as Port Adelaide, with Hawthorn finishing outside the top four.

Cooney's top eight for 2017:

  1. Greater Western Sydney
  2. Western Bulldogs
  3. Adelaide
  4. Geelong
  5. Sydney
  6. Port Adelaide
  7. Hawthorn
  8. Essendon