Melbourne may have retained its spot in the top four with a tight win over St Kilda, but Nathan Buckley isn’t convinced the Demons can win this year’s premiership.
Simon Goodwin’s side prevailed 21-point winners against the Saints on Saturday night, but did so against a side which was battered by injury.
Buckley said the win papered over Melbourne’s cracks, pointing to the team’s continued scoring struggles this season.
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“I have real concerns about them,” Buckley said on SEN Breakfast.
“They beat a St Kilda side who had three players out really quickly.
“They had 19 scoring shots for a whole game, 46 entries against a crippled side.
“With the expected score, we actually had St Kilda winning.”
Melbourne has not scored in excess of 80 points since round 9 when it beat Hawthorn, and currently ranks seventh in the AFL in points for.
The Demons have struggled in the absence of injured midfield star Clayton Oliver and forward Bayley Fritsch, with both players still set to miss a major chunk of the remainder of the season.
“I don’t think Melbourne can win it (the premiership),” Buckley said.
“Collingwood, Port Adelaide, and Brisbane (are better contenders), and I still think the Cats have got the potential (to repeat).
“I still think four spots are up for grabs.”
Melbourne will host the third-placed Brisbane at the MCG on Friday night in a pivotal clash that will shape both clubs’ top four hopes.
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