Former Melbourne skipper Garry Lyon thinks the Demons are capable of winning the 2018 premiership "if they can add some toughness and resilience."
The Dees have picked up momentum after a slow start to the year, winning their past five matches by an average margin of 69 points and smacking last year's grand finalist Adelaide by 91 points in Alice Springs on Sunday.
And their recent rise to third on the ladder has led Lyon to suggest they are one of "four or five" teams who can win the flag.
“I think they’re the best equipped group that I’ve seen since I’ve been watching them,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“That’s in terms of balance more than anything else.
“On exposed form there’s been tougher teams mentally but this is a group that’s just starting to prove themselves.
“In terms of talent I don’t think there’s been a more talented, balanced group of Melbourne players that I’ve seen.
“If they can add some of the toughness and the resilience of some of the sides of the past 20-years then they’re a chance.
“They’re one of four of five teams who are a really good chance to do something special.”
Essendon great Tim Watson agreed, saying Melbourne play the game "fearlessly."
“They’re fearsome in the way they approach their football,” Watson said.
The Demons will look to make it six in a row when they take on the Western Bulldogs next Saturday Etihad Stadium.
