With the ‘hit and giggle' matches and the arduous pre-season training regimes now behind each team, fans, coaches, and players alike have set their sights on the real deal – Round 1.
For some clubs, the pre-season period could not have panned out better, whilst the unlucky remainder will be counting the cost of their campaigns.
Although there were a myriad of positives to be taken from the summer months, all teams will be striving to improve on their practice match form and learn from the lessons dealt out across them.
With the first bounce of the Sherrin just over a week away, we raise the big question that face each of the AFL's 18 clubs.
North Melbourne
What were the positives?
Like the Crows, there really wasn't much for North Melbourne to celebrate following their defeat to Hawthorn on Saturday.
On the surface, the 39-point loss to a fellow rebuilding team on a ground they are exceedingly familiar with is about as dire as it comes.
Full-time. 39 points the final margin.
Jaidyn Stephenson with 25 touches, Dom Tyson with 23 and 3 goals, Josh Walker with 16 disposals, 12 marks and 3 majors. pic.twitter.com/cpZmlHXxys
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) March 6, 2021
Still, for David Noble and North fans alike, the performances of some of the Roos' joeys was bound to alleviate some of the doom and gloom.
First round draftee Tom Powell once again appeared adept at the level, as he collected 15 touches across half forward in the first half. Charlie Lazzaro also offered a strong showing, as did Phoenix Spicer and Will Phillips when injected after three-quarter time.
Whether or not any of these youngster debut against Port in Round one is yet to be determined, but with a list ranked as the 13th most experience for games played and 16th in age, they are bound to be afforded every opportunity as North look to rebound.
