Western Bulldogs are outsiders to win back-to-back premierships, according to AFL club captains who have overwhelmingly backed Greater Western Sydney as the more likely grand finalists in 2017.
All but four of 18 surveyed in the AFL's annual captains poll believed the Giants will reach the decider, with Adelaide, Sydney, West Coast and the defending premiers receiving a vote each.
The Bulldogs, however, are no strangers to defying the odds, with no captains last year correctly picking them as a grand final participant.
Last year's other grand finalist Sydney are widely expected to have another big year as the strongest backed club to make the top eight.
St Kilda are predicted to make their first finals since 2011, with North Melbourne to drop out in an otherwise similar top-eight make-up to last year.
Melbourne have also surfaced as a top-eight prospect for six captains.
Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield received the most votes (five) to win a second-straight Brownlow Medal, ahead of Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli, Dan Hannebery of the Swans and Dustin Martin from Richmond (two votes each).
Swans superstar Lance Franklin and Tom Lynch of the Gold Coast were jointly backed (six votes) to win the Coleman Medal for most goals for the season, ahead of the Eagles' Josh Kennedy (four votes).
Top draft pick Andrew McGrath from Essendon received the most votes (four) to win Rising Star, ahead of Port Adelaide youngster Sam Powell-Pepper and Giants midfielder Tim Taranto (three votes).
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