The first-placed Reds are resting this weekend ahead of hosting a semi-final.
Deans said history favoured Queensland and the second-placed Stormers because of the difficulties of winning on foreign soil, with no team winning back-to-back finals overseas.
"What we've got this year is four sides that have never won the title, but a couple of them are quite experienced," Deans told reporters on Friday.
"The Sharks and the Stormers are two hardened teams."
"The two sides that have the greatest opportunities are the Reds and the Stormers.
"You would have to favour the Reds based on all the elements, history and home ground advantage."
While Melbourne finished last in its inaugural season, Deans predicted a rapid rise for the Victorian team and a change in the balance of power among the three national conferences, after three Australian teams finished in the bottom four of the overall ladder.
"I think this time next year we'll be looking really good across the board and I think some of the other conferences will be just hanging in there.'
Deans suggested some of the Rebels could push for Test selection in the near future, with half-back Nick Phipps and league converts New Zealand-born Cooper Vuna and Jarrod Saffy all drawing praise from the national coach.
Vuna and giant Waratahs lock Sitaleki Timani are also being courted by Tonga.
Deans hinted the 80-Test career of Rebels leader and former Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock may not be over, even though he has not played for Australia in almost two years.
"His ability to defend is certainly something that we're very conscious of, we know that the World Cup is going to be brutal," Deans said.
Another former Wallabies stalwart striving to regain a spot is lock Dan Vickerman, who recently returned to Australia after three years of studying in England.
"He's lost none of his will, he still loves bashing people," Deans joked.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000
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