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...
Essendon
Pass mark: Win 8 games
The Bombers have been steadfast against the term 'rebuild', but the entire football world understands where the club currently sits.
Another year of a draft-heavy focus has the club ranked among the youngest in the competition, while the Zach Merrett saga shook Essendon to its core.
But looking forward to 2026, Brad Scott will have his work cut out for him, especially when developing a young group.
As expected, the Tullamarine club will almost be given a free pass, especially after their unprecedented run of injuries last season, which have crept into the new year.
