Who would have thought that when the 2020 fixture was released that this was how the year would have ended up?
You would have been laughed across the Murray River if you were to suggest to the fervent footballing public of Victoria that many of them would not see a single game live this season.
A straight jacket would have been tailored to your measurements should you have suggested that the Grand Final would be played under lights at the Gabba in October.
However, due to arrival of an unforeseen and, as of yet, untameable virus, the game, like the rest of the world, was forced to make compromises.
With these changes came a fresh batch of terms to enter the footy lexicon, as well as the array of previously unthought of headlines that appeared on mastheads everywhere.
So despite a season that provided challenges for everyone involved in the game, it has also supplied many moments (both good and bad) that will live long in our memories.
Here are the top 10 headlines from a season unlike any before it.
7. Power forwards on a lead for greener pastures
Cynics of the game of often contend that the modern player has too much agency over their career. They believe that players are unwilling to honour their contracts and that should a carrot be dangled by teams placed higher on the ladder, then they will be off after it at the rate of knots.
Although unfilled contractual obligations are irrelevant in the twinned cases of Joe Daniher and Jeremy Cameron, it has not stopped said skeptics snarling.
Having put forth a request to fly from the Hangar last off-season, Joe Daniher was denied runway access in his efforts to jet for Sydney. However, with his deal with the Dons now complete, it seems impossible that he'll be clad in red and black ever again.
Joe Daniher could be a Lion by Friday, per @sam_mcclure pic.twitter.com/kIMKTHdv43
— 7AFL (@7AFL) October 28, 2020
The circumstances are similar with Jeremy Cameron and the Giants. After nine seasons in Orange, Cameron has requested a move home to Victoria, with Geelong's forward 50 looking likely to be his new stomping ground.
As they are both restricted free agents, deals between clubs will need to be brokered, but with both spearheads in search of greener pastures with top four teams, you are likely to hear the grouches grizzling for some time yet.