Last week's scratch matches whet our appetites and this weekend's AAMI Community Series hitouts will hopefully tide us over.
However, nothing can compare to the footy when four points are up for grabs.
Even for last year's wooden spooners, a new season allows for hope to spring eternal. Fresh names on the list pique even casual fan's interest and hyped draftees allow us to daydream about the future.
Nevertheless, reality can hit like a tonne of bricks when your side is 0-4 after four weeks.
Whether your team is rebuilding, resurging or the reigning premier, we here at Zero Hanger have scoured the fixture list and have made our predictions for all 18 team's records after the season's first month.
Who have we overrated and who have we slept on? Be sure to let us know.
Port Adelaide
3-1
North Melbourne (A) - Win
Essendon (H) โ Win
West Coast (A) - Loss
Richmond (H) โ Win
Having claimed the minor premiership last season, we, like most, expect Port to be contending at the business end of the year once again.
An early chance to claim vital percentage awaits Ken Hinkley's men in Round 1 against North, as does their first home game a week later against Essendon.
Travelling to Perth for Round 3, we have the Eagles ahead in what should be a revealing contest.
At home against the side that toppled them in last year's Preliminary Final, expect a fired-up Power surge to best the previously slow starting Tigers.
This win won't eradicate the hurt from their elimination loss last year, but it will have Port sitting pretty at 3-1 after a month.
