As the AFL season winds to a close, focus usually turns to the weaknesses of the league's benchmark. People are always on the lookout for ways to reel in the best teams.

This year, it's all been about Collingwood, and why they aren't a safe bet for the flag. Since their win-loss ratio is particularly intimidating, we've been hearing it since midseason.

I am pretty certain that this is because conceding the flag too early makes people lose interest. People want to know why the race is still open. Consequently, we harp on about all their mini-weaknesses, ignoring their overbearing strengths.

Recently, we've heard all about injuries to Leon Davis, Nick Maxwell, Dale Thomas, Chris Dawes, Andrew Krakouer, Harry O'Brien, Ben Reid, and Darren Jolly, as well as lack of match fitness for Thomas and Heath Shaw following suspension.

However, most of their injuries have been no more than one-weekers, and a top quality side will have the depth to overcome even a few major injuries anyway. That's why they are top quality.

I've heard it suggested on radio that the week off after the Qualifying Final was to their disadvantage, and that the departure of Mark Neeld to Melbourne would upset the coaching structure.

To be fair, both of those assertions might be true. But in the grand scheme of things, it's a minor inconvenience to the playing squad.

So, to balance out the sentiment I would like to remind everyone why Collingwood should be - and are - favourites in the Grand Final.

1. Final quarters

Collingwood's final-quarter efforts this year have been supreme, and are a testament to how much fitter they are than the rest of the league. Look back at their final terms against the Bulldogs (Round 6), Adelaide (Round 9), Essendon (Round 19) and Hawthorn (last week) to get a feel for their ability run out games.

2. Goal-kicking midfielders

One of Collingwood's biggest strengths is their ability to share the load when it comes to scoring. Dane Swan is their second-highest goal-kicker. Nine Magpies have booted 20 goals this season, whereas Carlton and Hawthorn have five.

In both their 138-point win over Port Adelaide and their 117-point win over North Melbourne, no player scored more than four goals.

Travis Cloke was the Magpies leading (or equal-leading) goal-kicker on just ten occasions this year. To put that in perspective, Lance Franklin was Hawthorn's leading goal-kicker 17 times.

3. Multiple tall forwards

The thought of facing Travis Cloke, Chris Dawes, and Leigh Brown would cause defenders to lose sleep. The trio will keep Geelong's rebounding defenders, like Matthew Scarlett and Corey Enright, much more honest than they are used to.

4. Dale Thomas

Premiers need a wildcard, and that man is Thomas. The man has the ability to do get simple handballs away, take mark of the year, and everything in between. A freakish moment from Thomas - and the lift from the crowd that results - can turn a match the Pies' way.

Next time someone tries to persuade you that the Pies - or whoever is top of the table in 2012 - have their weaknesses, give them a bit of perspective. For each weakness, they have numerous strengths in return.