AFL Nation analyst Garry Lyon can only find a handful of teams who he believes can go the distance in 2019.

Despite Geelong currently sitting a game above every other side on the ladder, Lyon isn't completely sold on the Cats, but did give them a mention in the list.

Lyon named three of the four preliminary finalists from last season, and backed GWS to join the pack and be one of the teams to beat.

“I believe in Collingwood, I believe in the Giants, Richmond I believe in. Geelong I’m a believer in, but I’ve got some reservations,” Lyon told AFL Nation.

“West Coast is the other one. I’m still a believer in them. I know they’re 3-3, but I suspect they’ll get it right.

“That’s the way I’m looking at it at the moment.

“I love what the Cats have done in terms of having a great off-season and pre-season, I’d argue that Geelong’s targeted recruiting and their ability to change the way they play and look is just as impressive."