As the first month of fixtures drew to a close last Sunday evening, a belief morphed into empirical truth - 2021 is already rivalling last year in terms of unpredictability.
If you don't believe me, just take a look at the current ladder.
With the second month of the marathon season set to commence tonight, another set of questions remain ahead of both the men in the hot seat and their disciples in studded boots.
Whether flying high or having to continually dig deep for no reward, here are the latest set of quandaries facing each of the AFL's 18 teams.
North Melbourne
What were the positives?
Well, for starters, a 41-point loss is much easier to stomach than a 128-point defeat.
North fans can also hang their hats tentatively on the fact that until the second minute of the final quarter, they actually led their clash against the Crows.
Youngsters Jaidyn Stephenson, Tarryn Thomas, Tom Powell and Will Phillips all looked fantastic at stages across last Sunday afternoon, plus Jy Simpkin and Aaron Hall once again proved able to find the ball at will.
That first goal feeling ๐ pic.twitter.com/8RYF9wEsxO
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) April 12, 2021
As previously mentioned, 2021 looks as though it will be a punishing season for those that back the Arden Street club, but if every side since Fitzroy in 1964 has taught us anything, it is that David Noble will join the chorus at least once this season and many of their new names will be drenched in sports drinks as well.
As a betting man, I don't have any shekels behind your side this week, Roo boys and girls, but with a fixture that begins to open up after their trip to Kardinia Park this Sunday evening, each day brings a win just that little bit closer.
As I said last week, if your heart lies between Macaulay Road and Fogarty Street, keep the faith, as you won't want to miss a win when it comes.