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.
Carlton
Will their attacking half-back line also be their Achilles heel?
Carlton fans rolled into Marvel Stadium on Thursday night with a pair of thoughts on their mind – how would their team perform against sterner opposition and how would their half-back line stack up against the speedy Saints?
When the siren sounded to signal their 26-point loss, it was clear that half-backs Adam Saad and Sam Docherty had produced sound statistical performances.
The pair combined for 1120 metres gained and 48 disposals off the back 50, with new recruit Saad even managing brilliant running goal.
Gun recruit Adam Saad gave @CarltonFC fans a taste of what he wants to deliver in 2021. 🔥💙 pic.twitter.com/bDaAbmq6FO
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) March 4, 2021
Like their fans in the stand, David Teague would have been pleased by the duo's offensive output. However, you can be sure that the bespectacled coach's mood was altered when the pair were asked to defend.
Across the fast paced four quarter contest on Thursday, Carlton conceded 19 goals from 30 scoring shots. Of these majors, seven came from Saints that were directly opposed to both Docherty and Saad.
There is no doubting that the Blues have a desire to play a quick brand of football in 2021 and have also adapted to the new rules better than other teams, but if offense from the half-back line comes at the cost of defence, too much is likely to be left to their taller defenders.