Everyone wants to win the flag but the reality is that at least half the competition is almost no chance every season. That doesn't mean there's nothing to hope for though.
Every club's situation is different, for some it's more wins, for others it's finals and for a select few, only the premiership will do.
With the AFL's unpredictability being one of its major draws, there's always the chance of a miracle season or a sudden upswing in form. Likewise, there's just as much chance of a nightmare campaign in terms of both form and injury.
As we look across the competition, the passing marks for the year will all be different. Simply saying premiership or bust is not reflective of where the majority of clubs are placed.
With that in mind, here are our pass marks for each AFL team for 2023.
Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs will want just one thing for 2023 apart from September and that will be for the footy world to be talking about what is happening on the field, rather than off it.
Season 2022 was full of unnecessary distractions which masked, at times, ordinary on-field performances.
There's absolutely no doubting they have the cattle, and now the tall timber, to feature in September and cause headaches. What remains to be seen is if the focus is where it needs to be in a crucial season for a list in its prime.
For 2023 to be considered a success, the Doggies will need to feature in September, while a deep finals campaign would be proof that they are still a force. Finals footy, a quiet off-field presence and their tall timber not to become a weak link would be a pass for the Sons of the West.
Pass Mark: 13-16 wins and finals football.
