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.
Western Bulldogs
What does their forward line look?
It may appear lazy that we have asked the same question of three teams, but due to the tiny sample size this pre-season offered, the query remains valid.
It may also appear odd to question a team that won by 39-points and booted 15 goals from eight different sources, but it is the starting six that remains unclear.
From the naked eye, it appeared that Luke Beveridge's optimum forward line was comprised of Aaron Naughton, Josh Bruce and a resting ruckman – namely Tim English.
However, after Naughton went down with a forearm injury, the 2016 Premiership coach's hand was forced.
Bruce did begin Monday's clash poorly, but after his forward line partner's departure, his output improved. Stefan Martin's injection at centre bounces also allowed Tim English to work his own way into the game inside the arc.
Although it is unknown whether Naughton will miss the Dog's clash against Collingwood in Round one, but should the worse case scenario arise, Beveridge will be asking himself several questions in terms of selection.
Like Monday, does he look for more scoring from his stacked midfield group? Does he once again run his offense through Mitch Wallis? Does Josh Schache get recalled? Does he scratch his itch and debut Jamarra Ugle-Hagan?
As Joe Strummer from 'The Clash' said, the future is unwritten.
