The AFL has been great to watch so far this year and all signs portend to 2021 being a glorious comeback from the COVID beleaguered season last year.

According to AFL aficionado and entrepreneur Darren Herft, "it looks like being one of the most even years on record."

The first few weeks have seen some unexpected twists and turns, with the Sydney Swans making a surprising rise in the ladder.

On the other hand, North Melbourne is finding this season a little bit difficult. Not having won a single game and losing by over 120 points to the Western Bulldogs over the weekend, they find themselves at the bottom of the ladder.

"This was expected as the team is certainly in a rebuilding stage with a new coach. North Melbourne is going to take some time and will need some patience before they come together."

As far as the rest of the teams are concerned, Darren Herft thinks they're all in the hunt to make the final eight.

Port Adelaide has commenced the year with two wins out of three.

"Adelaide is playing a great new brand of football and they seem poised to win a lot more games in 2021," says Darren Herft.

The Swans have started to climb the ladder this year and are trailing behind the Western Bulldogs, who are leading the charge.

"I expect to see Port Adelaide, the West Coast, Geelong and Richmond climb the ladder as the season starts to move ahead."

All four teams are projected to figure strongly come September and make it to the final eight.

"It'll be interesting to see if West Coast can continue their form after their powerful victory over Port Adelaide."

It remains to be seen if Port Adelaide can bounce back as they run into last year's premier, Richmond next week.

"Port Adelaide might have a fairly easy shot with Richmond this time as the reigning champions have a few injuries and are notorious for being slow starters in the AFL," says Herft.

Darren Herft doesn't think that Richmond has any cause for worry at this time as he expects the Tigers to flex their muscles more in the middle and latter parts of the season.

Brisbane won their first game on the weekend, and it took a kick right after the final siren to win the hard-fought game on Thursday night against Collingwood. Many fans expect the Lions to play in this year's Grand Final.

Darren Herft says, "they've been stuck down in Melbourne due to COVID and probably will be for another week or two. I do expect the Brisbane Lions to show their class and athleticism as the year goes on."

"Being so early in the season, we can't say exactly how the year might pan out. I do expect to see Richmond, Port Adelaide, the Brisbane Lions and Geelong figuring heavily at the top end of the table come September," he adds.

For more about Darren Herft, please visit Darren Herft Sports Central.