We’re a month in to the Shute Shield season and we’re starting to get a better understanding of each side’s potential for the season ahead.

Here’s what we’ve learnt so far.

Last year’s grand finalists remain the benchmark

From the first four rounds, Randwick and Norths appear to be the best sides in the competition at this stage but neither side is perfect.

Both sides have won three of their first four matches and will meet for the first time since last year’s decider on what is expected to be a wet afternoon at North Sydney Oval this Saturday.

Despite a slip up against Warringah, Randwick are playing like the defending premiers. Their attack is electric and they’ve had the best discipline so far this year.