What we do and don't know about the AFL's three unbeaten teams, Brisbane, Melbourne and Carlton

Three rounds in, we can start to put together some impressions of the 2022 AFL season, and in particular Brisbane, Melbourne and Carlton, the teams which are flying at 3-0.

While a strong start for two of those three teams is not surprising, the Blues have been successful so far beyond the expectations of all but the most one-eyed Carlton fans.

Obviously with 20 rounds still to go, there is a lot of time left for events to change, players to get injured or go out of form, and for other teams to work the leaders out.

Right now, however, there are some things we know and things we don't yet know about these top three sides.

Let's have a look. 

First: 12 points, 173.4 per cent

Leading goalkicker: Joe Daniher — nine goals

Most disposals: Lachie Neale — 99 (three games)

Key stats:

The Lions are the top-scoring side in the AFL (111 points a game).

They have the second-best defence in the AFL (64 points conceded a game).

From the opening round, we know that the Lions are capable of playing an average match and still mounting a final-quarter comeback to overcome opponents.

We also know that Brisbane can be ruthless with the football and put teams to the sword — just ask North Melbourne.

It is clear already that Lachie Neale is back in something approaching his best form, AKA Brownlow-medal-winning form, which makes the Lions much more dangerous going forward.

He was almost not needed in the demolition of the Kangaroos, but his display in round two against Essendon — 41 disposals, 12 clearances, nine inside 50s, nine score involvements and seven intercepts — was pivotal.

We also know that the big positional change of the early season, moving Dayne Zorko to half-back, is working very well.

The «Magician» may not be playing the contested-ball role