A rebuilt Geelong side is set to surge their way back into Premiership contention this year according to the early 2016 betting markets.

Geelong missed the finals for the first time since 2006 last season, however, the Cats have surged to sit equal-third in the premiership favouritism ($8) according to Crownbet.

Hawthorn though, remains the team to beat as they look to emulate Collingwood's four premierships in a row in the late 20s.

The Hawks are $4.25 favourites to claim their fourth-straight flag, with beaten Grand Finalists West Coast at $6, Fremantle and the Cats are both $8 and are seen as the most likely challengers.

Port Adelaide are also expected to bounce back hard from a disappointing 2015 campaign with Crownbet tipping them to be a near-certain finals side at $1.40 and has tightened them to $9 in flag betting.

Despite reaching consecutive preliminary finals, North Melbourne's aging list is on the premiership outer at $17 - just behind the Swans at $13 and Richmond $15.

In individual markets, reigning Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy is a clear favourite to lead the competition's goal kickers next season as he spearhead's West Coast's powerful attack.

Meanwhile, recently married Gold Coast champion Gary Ablett has firmed into Brownlow Medal favouritism at $6 after Fremantle star Nat Fyfe ($7) suffered a bulging disc in his back during the Docker's final pre-Christmas training session.

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