With six weeks of the marathon run, the line between contenders and pretenders is becoming much more opaque.
Although 94.4% of the competition's 18-teams have now put a win on the board, the gap between first and last is still chasmic.
As we edged toward the end of the season's second month, the question marks surrounding every side – whether they are leading the league or languishing – are still aplenty.
With Round 7 set to start this Friday night, we have cast an eye across each of the league's combatants and have sought to answer the key questions facing each and every one of them.
Western Bulldogs
Can they remain perfect before their date with the Demons?
Despite the fact that their run to Round 11 is tougher than Melbourne's, I, like the plethora of footy punters and pundits out there, give Luke Beveridge's Bulldogs every chance of remaining perfect across the season's first 10 weeks.
Although not afforded the luxury of facing teams such as North Melbourne, Sydney, Carlton and Adelaide over the next month, on current form, the table topping team from Melbourne's west should be able to account for Carlton and St.Kilda.
However, litmus tests against Port Adelaide away and the depth tested Tigers this weekend will give us all a greater understanding of the Pup's true premiership credentials.
Friday night footy hits different.
Off to the 'G we go! 👊 pic.twitter.com/8sZ9L6gkiv
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) April 29, 2021
Last week, I claimed that the Dogs should have already been seen as the bookie's favourites to take out their second title in seven years, and with nothing negative – except for their depth now being examined – since then and now, my view remains the same.
If you are within an achievable geographic distance of any Dogs' game this year, take yourself down, as they treat the Sherrin like a hot potato and score at will.
If not, get yourself in front of a television this Friday and any other time they are fixtured to break through the banner.
Your plans with your Nan can wait.
