With the โ€˜hit and giggle' matches and the arduous pre-season training regimes now behind each team, fans, coaches, and players alike have set their sights on the real deal โ€“ Round 1.

For some clubs, the pre-season period could not have panned out better, whilst the unlucky remainder will be counting the cost of their campaigns.

Although there were a myriad of positives to be taken from the summer months, all teams will be striving to improve on their practice match form and learn from the lessons dealt out across them.

With the first bounce of the Sherrin just over a week away, we raise the big question that face each of the AFL's 18 clubs.

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Fremantle

How hard will their injuries hit?

Despite falling short of โ€˜Demolition Derby' status, Sunday night's pre-season clash between the Fremantle and West Coast did claim a few victims.

For the defeated Dockers, injuries to both Rory Lobb and Michael Walters will have coach Justin Longmuir pulling tufts from his scalp.

According to reports, Lobb damaged his knee in the contest and Michael Walters appeared visibly frustrated after pulling a hamstring.

With many pundits tipping the Dockers to end their September drought this season, the uphill battle will be steeper without the pair in their forward 50.

Last season, Lobb and Walters combined for 25.13 in front of goal. Although this number appears slim, the duo offer Longmuir versatility up the ground, with their total of 83 inside 50s in 2020 a telling statistic.

The Dockers were stingy in defence last season and with this offensive pair set to be sidelined for some time, they will again be asked to tighten their purse strings.

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