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.

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Greater Western Sydney

Does their midfield need a rev up?

Despite losing to St. Kilda in their final game of 2020 and failing to make the eight, GWS entered their Round 1 clash with the same opponent as the bookie's favourite.

The logical explanation for this tag was likely due to the Saints' threadbare 22, the location of the clash and the strength of the Giants' engine room on paper.

With classy names like Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward, Tim Taranto, Tom Green, Jacob Hopper and Josh Kelly attending the vast majority of centre bounces on Sunday, it was mind boggling to see that this group was resoundingly beaten for clearances.

The Giants had no trouble finding the football at the Showgrounds, and they even disposed of it better than their opponents in the appalling conditions. However, when push came to shove, their midfield fleet wilted against their makeshift opponents.

Since posting their lowest ever total of 25-points in the 2019 Grand Final, Cameron's shrinking Giants have produced both an 8-10 win/loss record and another two of their measliest scores in Rounds 18 and 12 last season.

One could argue that had Leon Cameron's side kicked straighter and converted any of their 13 behinds into majors, that the ladder would read differently, but as a side that routinely looked bereft of steel last season - as well as on Sunday - is it time the head coach applied the blowtorch again?

The Giants' list has long been likened to that of a luxury Italian automobile, but with the rot of last season still set inside their four walls, is it nearing time for the 48-year-old to be relieved of the keys or is simply time for the latest tune up?

Either way, having viewed the Making Their Mark documentary series, we all know Cameron can call his charges out, but how hard did he go after his midfielders went limp against St. Kilda and how do they respond against Fremantle?

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