A cut-throat league like the AFL demands excellence, and as a result, there's one winner and 17 losers.

But the reality is, not all clubs are expected to be pressing for a premiership, or even finals.

The introduction of the top 10 and the wildcard round has altered the forecasting of many teams.

And for that exact reason, each team's pass mark should vary based on a variety of factors.

Below, we have determined what each club should be striving for and what their fan base should be expecting in 2026...

West Coast

Pass mark: Win 4 games

The Eagles saluted once in 2025. But can they reach four wins?

That should be the benchmark. Andrew McQualter will return to work with a heap of excitable and talented youngsters, but also a group of experienced campaigners who can help guide the club through the rebuild.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 19: Cooper Duff-Tytler poses after being selected by the Eagles as part of the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 19: Cooper Duff-Tytler poses after being selected by the Eagles as part of the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

The AFL's assistance package helped land some established midfielders, bridging the gap between the club's best and worst prospects.

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