As both the players and their coaches continue their strides in season 2021, distinctive groups have broken out throughout the race.
Some, like the Bulldogs and Demons, have dashed from the starter's gun, with the desire to create lightyears between themselves and the pack.
Sadly for others, they are barely attached to the peloton anymore.
Whether first, second, third or 18th along the road to the last Saturday in September, every side and their side coaching team still have question marks over their head.
Greater Western Sydney
How important is Friday night?
Having previously written off their chances this season, Leon Cameron and his collective of Giants have force fed me my words over the past fortnight, and should the boys from Homebush romp home against their arch-rivals in Canberra on Friday, I am sure that the same meal will greet me when I next go fishing in the fridge.
Should the Giants manage to not only halt the Bulldogs for the first time this season, but win three games on the trot, their season will be well and truly back on track.
Friday night under lights, bring it on ๐ #NeverSurrender pic.twitter.com/PttjXvMkHf
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) April 22, 2021
Statistically speaking, the orange and charcoal clad team currently holds a one in five chance of making the eight โ even after sitting 0-3 to start the season - but this will plummet if the Dogs continue their destructive form.
However, if four-points are claimed and the former murmurs from the west of Sydney town begin to amplify once more, then not only will their stock rise, but the flames beneath the head coach's seat are almost certain to dull.
Still, with Beveridge's boys destroying Cameron's in every conceivable statisticย so far this season, the smart money would be on the Giants' streak ending at two.