Former coach names Brisbane Lions as the “team to beat”

Former AFL coach Rodney Eade has made his predictions about the outcome of this season - and Collingwood fans might be disappointed.

At the Zero Hanger Season Launch, Eade was happy to name the Lions as his number one contender for the premiership this year, despite acknowledging them as the "boring" choice.

"I think other teams will improve and chase them," Eade said. "But it will depend on their motivation and their mental state. If their mental state is where it should be, I think they're the team to beat."

Eade said the Lions' age profile would give them an edge.

"They're not an old side, they only have four players above 30," Eade said.

While the Lions' are in the sweet spot on the age front, Eade said it might be an issue for Collingwood's chances at the finals this year, as the team enters the season with the oldest line up in the league.

"I can see older players getting injured, they haven't regenerated early enough so I can really see a battle for them," Eade said. "I can see them dropping out completely."

Eade was also quick to rule out Essendon as a finals contender.

While Collingwood and Essendon fans might wish to dismiss Eade's predictions as speculation, Eade also listed the Swans as a team to watch and Carlton's Michael Voss as the coach under the most pressure, predictions which proved to be stunningly accurate following Thursday night's opening game at the SCG.

Football fans will have an opportunity to test the accuracy of Eade's other predictions when Brisbane opens its 2026 season against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night at the Gabba.