One down, 22 to go.
The first eight games of the 2021 AFL season didn't just provide us with our initial set of winners and losers, it raised another series of questions.
With each of the league's 18ย clubsย set to do battle again this weekend, we attempted to answer the major issues facing their playingย listsย andย coachesย alike.
Melbourne
Was that enough to be seen as a contender?
Both Fremantle fans and neutral observers could have be forgiven for mistaking Saturday afternoon's game at the MCG as a Kubrick-esqe โtreatment'.
For the Demon diehards that were deprived of attendance last year, the four points the team they love won at its completion was enough to render the torture worthwhile.
In theory, Melbourne's 22-point win over a Fremantle side that many have moving up the ladder this season is wonderful opening statement that the Dees mean business once again. However, in a game that was, at times, reminiscent of toddlers arm wrestling, it should not be seen as enough to warrant wild celebrations just yet.
In their only proper pre-season hit out, Melbourne were thoroughly dismantled by the Bulldogs under the roof of Marvel Stadium. Sure, this performance was piece together with a makeshift midfield due to the absences of Clayton Oliver, Angus Brayshaw and Jack Viney, but with their one-dimensional play and inability to halt the vast majority of the Dogs' advances, it was clear that Beveridge's boys were a rung or two above.
Should Melbourne topple 2020 finalist St. Kilda on Saturday night, this query will have been answered, but if the Saints replicate the Bulldogs' blueprint for a Demon demolition, the temperature of Simon Goodwin's seat could shift to a Hades level of heat.
Since Goodwin steered Melbourne in the 2018 Finals, the oldest Football team in the land and the one with the longest Premiership drought has produced a 15-25 record.
Now it may appear harsh to focus on a Round 1 victor through this particular lens, but if Melbourne are to once again be viewed as legitimate flag contenders, scrappy four goal wins at home against sides with weaker lists will need to be improved upon.
Although this was likely to be the message Goodwin delivered his group during the week, winning ugly is still winning and for a fanbase desperate for success, one from one is better than none.
