Hawthorn great Jason Dunstall believes West Coast are no certainty to finish top four this season.

Commentating for Fox Footy during the broadcast of today’s game between Richmond and Melbourne, Dunstall was prompted to reveal his predicted top four for 2019.

He said both the Tigers and Demons were locked in, and predicted they be joined by Adelaide, who fell out of the eight last year after a grand final appearance in 2017.

The final spot was left undecided, he said.

The prediction stunned co-commentator Dermott Brereton, who could not wrap his head around how Dunstall had three teams jumping ahead of the reigning premiers.

“I’m just staggered you haven’t got the West Coast Eagles in there. They are the reigning premiers you know. That’s extraordinary. You think they’re going to drop four spots?” Brereton asked.

“They’re a chance,” Dunstall replied.

“I just don’t think they’re automatic like those other teams are.”

The Eagles began their premiership defence with a 34-point pre-season win over Geelong at Leederville Oval on Friday night.

They are on the second line of betting for this year’s premiership with TABtouch, behind only Richmond.