CAN RICHMOND win back-to-back premierships?

Absolutely not, according to a survey as part of the AFL Players' top 50 poll.

In fact, 34 per cent of AFL players have tipped the Tigers to plummet down the ladder in 2018 following their breakthrough flag win last year.

Richmond rose from 13 on the ladder at the end of 2016 to claim its first premiership since 1980.

History shows that is remarkably tough to repeat the following year. Hawthorn, on the back of its three-peat from 2013-2015, was the last team to achieve that goal.

• Fans' season previews: The No.1 threat to a Tiger repeat

Last year's other Grand Finalist – Adelaide – have also been projected to tumble down the ladder.

That comes even after the Crows acquired former Blue and star midfielder Bryce Gibbs in the off-season.

• Fans' season previews: Bryce is nice, but Crows' backline a worry

West Coast is the other club set to fall, according to the players.

Following the retirements of the experienced Sam Mitchell, Matt Priddis and Drew Petrie at the end of last season, the Eagles appear to have hit the reset button under coach Adam Simpson.

• Fans' season previews: New-look Eagles have fans divided

Which club will take the biggest tumble down the ladder in 2018?

After the Western Bulldogs' (2016) and Tigers' (2017) flag successes, this year's premiership race shapes as wide open.

That certainly appears to be the view of the players, with the three teams tipped to fall all making finals in 2017.

Read more from the 2018 Players' Top 50

• 50-41: The man who must carry the Suns

• 40-31: Why McGovern is a million-a-year defender

• 30-21: From carefree mid to Giant killer

• Players tip 2018's top five breakout stars