IT IS not just the evenness of this year’s finalists that is responsible for three teams being equal premiership favourites.

TAB Sportsbet’s Gary Davies says everyone wants to be on the 2009 premier and therefore the money is mirroring teams’ form lines.

The three joint top picks for this year’s flag are Collingwood, Geelong and St Kilda all at $3.30.

Meanwhile, in the space of a fortnight, the inform Western Bulldogs have also shortened dramatically.

The Bulldogs were $14 to win the flag two weeks ago but two impressive wins has seen punters flock to Rodney Eade’s men, now into $6.50.

"With their two wins (over the Brisbane Lions and Geelong) they’re back in," Davies told afl.com.au on Monday morning.

"So there are four genuine chances and then there’s a big gap to $21, with Adelaide and Carlton.

"That’s on the back of history saying it’s nearly impossible to win it unless you’re in the top four."

While only a hypothetical at this stage, Davies agreed that should the Western Bulldogs beat Collingwood this weekend the top four sides might share betting favouritism.

"We’ll get nothing out of Geelong and St Kilda, because they play Fremantle and Melbourne," he said.

The Saints were the big drifters following round 21 action, easing from $2.60 last week to $3.30 after Sunday’s loss to North Melbourne.

"People just want to back the winner," Davies said. "You lose a couple of games and no-one wants to know you."

Despite no big plunges, Davies said the Magpies remained the worst result for TAB Sportsbet.

"It’s just the Collingwood Army [continuing to back their side]," he said.

"Over the last month, I reckon the biggest bet we’ve had on Collingwood has been a couple of hundred dollars, but there’s just been a stack of them."

However while most punters try to find the winner, there are those going for glory by backing an outsider – or simply showing their allegiance.

"We had a bloke who had $1000 on Essendon to win the premiership at 100-1 before they got beaten yesterday," Davies said.

"That didn’t last long. He could still be alive if they (the Bombers) beat Hawthorn but they won’t win the flag, that’s for sure."

Premiership market (courtesy of TAB Sportsbet – August 24)

Collingwood    $3.30
Geelong    $3.30
St Kilda    $3.30
W. Bulldogs    $6.50
Adelaide    $21
Carlton        $21
Brisbane    $41
Hawthorn    $41
Essendon    $101