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.
Hawthorn
The Hawks have undertaken an incredibly bold approach under Sam Mitchell, focusing heavily on youth with a view to stockpile as much young talent as possible. While 2022 wasn't a disaster, this club has lofty standards and will want to be back in September sooner rather than later.
Having traded away the likes of Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O'Meara and Jack Gunston, Hawthorn are thin on experience, yet that won't worry them. Mitchell is intent on installing a young group of players to lead the charge for their next tilt at a flag.
This season looms as a dangerous one if things go wrong, however if they can win a few games and avoid the wooden spoon, there is no doubt they can consider that a pass.
Pass Mark: 6-9 wins and no wooden spoon.
