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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Brisbane

What is their return home expected to bring them?

Following nearly a month stuck in their chilly former heartland, the 1-3 Lions have finally made the flight home to sunny Bris Vegas.

Now back in their subtropical paradise, the question must be asked, will their return north not only thaw them, but kickstart their season?

Possibly, but with an itinerary that is still set to send his men everywhere, Chris Fagan won’t be banking on anything as certain yet.

Since the start of 2019, Brisbane has amassed 20 wins and just five losses on their home deck. This single stat alone proves that the pride of Brisbane town play the rotund oval’s dimensions better than anybody else in the league. It is for this reason that they will be adjudged favourites ahead of their clash with the Bombers at the venue on Saturday night – all despite their dismal start to 2021.

Although seen as favourites by bookies and tippers alike, it must also be mentioned that despite their Woolloongabba win rate of 80% since late March 2019, their last two contests at the venue have resulted in losses by an average of just shy of six goals per game.

While Saturday night will provide the Lions’ members and fans their first chance to see their stars live since the 20th of March, it is an opportunity they will be afforded on only one more occasion before Round 10 – their week seven contest against Port Adelaide.

With a travel plan that includes Carrara, Perth and Melbourne’s Docklands once more before mid-May, it would appear futile for Brisbane’s roster to unpack their bags and put the feet up in their own homes yet.

Sure, Brisbane’s best should be too much for Essendon this weekend, but with more trekking to go in the near future, Brisbane’s return to Brisbane is akin to a goldfish’s memory – short lived.

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