Best-and-fairest leader: Max Gawn

Most improved player: Harry Sharp

All-Australian contenders: Max Gawn, Kozzy Pickett, Jack Steele

Lowest point: Losing to Essendon in Gather Round

Biggest surprise: The impact of their recruits. Both Jack Steele and Brody Mihocek are undoubtedly in early conversations for recruit of the year. The pair's output at their previous clubs was nothing to be sneezed at - Steele a two-time club champion and dual All-Australian, Mihocek a five-time leading goalkicker and premiership player - but their impact on this rebuilding group has been profound and is a key part of the Demons' fast start.

Biggest watch: Inconsistency. It's a natural by-product of a new coach and new gameplan so the Demons won't be too concerned at this stage, but their fluctuations in form - both in-game and from week to week - are there. There was the inexplicable loss to a then-struggling Bombers that followed a big win over Gold Coast, while against Fremantle, they trailed 49-7 at quarter-time before flicking the switch to keep the final margin at 48 points. Melbourne didn't kick its first goal against Carlton until the 26-minute mark of the second quarter, fell 43 points behind at one stage, before going on to win by 23 points. Not panic stations, but one to keep an eye on.

Q1 rating: 8 out of 10. The Demons are 4-2 and have comfortably exceeded expectations to this stage, with the Gather Round loss to Essendon the only real blip. Steven King's new fun and dangerous Demons are playing with freedom and flair and it's serving them well, highlighted by statement wins over Brisbane and Gold Coast. The growth of several previously fringe players has also been encouraging; Harry Sharp has gone from a super-sub (he was subbed on or off in 11 of his 18 games last year) to a best-23 lock, ex-forward Koltyn Tholstrup has found a new defensive edge and has impressed across half-back and in shutdown roles, while Tom Sparrow has rediscovered his premiership-year form. Latrelle Pickett has been a find, adding plenty of spark and flair to the front half, while the likes of Jai Culley, Kade Chandler, Caleb Windsor and Harvey Langford are all thriving in King's run-and-gun system that is bringing out the best in this emerging group. - Alison O'Connor

(Different writers for each but) Only Swans, Dockers and Hawks (9) and Cats (8.5) 'better' and Roos 'equal'.

It's nice being on the positive side of so many ledgers atm ❤️