In only the second week of the new season, the AFL has seen blow-out losses to finals hopefuls, surprise victories from old cellar dwellers, and its second drawn match .... and the game couldn't be better for it.

In recent years, there have been more than a few one-sided seasons, with the same teams reaching the finals. But, in 2011, the competition already appears far more balanced than previous seasons, with a cluster of teams seemingly ready to stake their claim to the finals.

Granted, teams such as Collingwood and Geelong appear destined for big seasons again, if their early form is any guide, but the competition is seeing the rise of recent strugglers such as Melbourne, Richmond and Essendon.

Possibly even more surprising has been the early form of West Coast and Sydney. In a year where many thought the Eagles could take out the wooden spoon again, the boys from the west have proven that they still have plenty of talent left over from their stellar 2006 premiership team (even if their opponents have been the less-than-stellar North Melbourne and Port Adelaide.)

Sydney have also surprised many by snagging six points from their first two matches to remain well inside the top eight. With Paul Roos now on the couch, and Brett Kirk on his spiritual journey across the globe, experts expected the Swans to slide.

Obviously, things can change tremendously in the expanded 24-round season, but if the early indicators stay true, the top eight could be in line for a shake-up come September, and former stalwarts of the finals should beware.

The Western Bulldogs had a stunning wake up call last week against the rejuvenated Dons. However, after the 55-point loss, the Dogs came out snarling at the weekend and belted the depleted Lions by over 70 points. The Bombers too were dealt a rude lesson against the mature bodies of the Sydney Swans, going down by five points at ANZ Stadium. With such a strong performance against the Bulldogs, the Dons seemed a sure bet for their round-two match up, only to find their opposition less willing to lay down.

The Bombers take on St Kilda in round three in an enthralling match-up, the Dons having scored one over the Saints in the recent NAB Cup semi-final. Essendon's players can expect a much tougher week on the training track at Windy Hill to make sure that their last quarter fade-out does not repeat itself against last year's grand finalist.

Round three may present some more 'traditional' results for the tipping public, with Collingwood, Geelong and the Bulldogs likely to take the points from their opponents and continue their recent-season supremacy.

But, perhaps the results of the first two rounds may continue and see the AFL landscape change just a little bit more, causing punters and tipsters more pain ahead.