MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats looks on during the 2017 AFL Second Semi Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 15, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

As the first month of fixtures drew to a close last Sunday evening, a belief morphed into empirical truth - 2021 is already rivalling last year in terms of unpredictability.

If you don't believe me, just take a look at the current ladder.

With the second month of the marathon season set to commence tonight, another set of questions remain ahead of both the men in the hot seat and their disciples in studded boots.

Whether flying high or having to continually dig deep for no reward, here are the latest set of quandaries facing each of the AFL's 18 teams.

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Adelaide 

How long is their form likely to last?

Go on, admit it. None of you had the Crows sitting at 3-1 after a month.

Despite Matthew Nicks’ murder coming home with a wet sail last season, finding anyone that had them just outside the top four on percentage at this stage of the season would be like searching for a herbivorous great white.

With smiles on the dials of everyone around what is left of Football Park, and our expectations of their capabilities now extended, the question must now be posed – how long is it all likely to last?

With a clash against Fremantle at the Adelaide Oval this weekend, followed by a trip to Melbourne to face the Hawks and a bout with the Giants in the city of churches, the Crows could realistically be sitting 6-1 ahead of the first Showdown of 2021.

However, if you are more comfortable with conservative estimations, one win – or two at a stretch – may be a bit more believable for you.

If the latter prediction pans out, the Crows’ finals chances are likely to start shrinking like George Costanza in a swimming pool, as from Rounds 8 to 15, the pride of South Australia are fixtured to face six of last season’s top eight teams – Port Adelaide, West Coast, Richmond, Collingwood, St. Kilda, and Brisbane.

Add in games against Melbourne and Carlton to round out the two month stretch, and last season’s wooden spooners will need to be courageous, strong, and fast to remain in finals contention by early July.

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