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.
West Coast
2-2
Gold Coast (H) - Win
Western Bulldogs (A) - Loss
Port Adelaide (H) - Win
St. Kilda (A) โ Loss
West Coast still have an incredible team on paper, but with a group of their key names closing in on completing their days in boots, this year could prove one of their last chances to repeat the glory of 2018.
At home against the Suns in Round 1, assume the Eagles will be ahead when the final siren sounds.
Traveling to Melbourne to face the Dogs in Round 2, expect a tight contest, but the home team to be celebrating at game's end.
With the Power scheduled to cross Western Australia's Fort Knox like border in the season's third week, Adam Simpson's seasoned Eagles should prove too strong at home.
Back at Marvel Stadium to round out the first month, we have the Saints edging the Perth powerhouse in what should be a riveting game.