Season 2026 could be a year of reckoning for seven AFL coaches.
Whether it be pushing for premiership success, finals contention or improving on the year before, it could be argued that a critical juncture has been reached.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is perpetually in the coaches under pressure column, while time is running out for Alastair Clarkson at North Melbourne.
Fremantle enjoyed a return to finals, but with their list, expectations will deem them ready for a maiden flag.
But leading one of the Victorian powerhouse clubs comes with its own stress, and nowhere to hide.
Here are SEVEN coaches that will feel the heat leading into the 2026 season (in no particular order)...
1Alastair Clarkson (North Melbourne)
Contracted until the end of 2027
The four-time premiership coach has had three seasons at Arden Street for very little improvement, if any.
During Clarkson's tenure, the Kangaroos haven't finished higher than 16th, but recorded their best percentage (76.32) and most wins (five) since 2019.
But for a club that hasn't played finals in a decade, and won two wooden spoons in that period, patience is starting to wear thin.
The influx of high-end draftees and veterans from rivals over the past few years has yet to yield anything resembling success.
Close and honourable losses aren't good enough for the Shinboners' faithful, who, if not already, are beginning to become restless.
Clarkson does have another two seasons to go on his deal, and although he's been given time to establish himself in the white and blue, the clock is well and truly ticking.
