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)...
2Brad Scott (Essendon)
Contracted until the end of 2027
The Bombers were given a free hit in 2025 due to the unprecedented amount of injuries, leading to a record 15 debuts.
But a new year yields new expectations, and after Essendon retained wantaway star skipper Zach Merrett, there's a notion they should be better than their 15th-placed finish.
Brad Scott's men recorded their worst percentage (69.49) since 2016, and equal-second lowest wins (six) since 2006, but the injuries can explain that.
But an overhaul of the high-performance staff should bode well for the Bombers.
In the years preceding 2025, the Bombers were well and truly in the hunt for a spot in the finals before late-season fade-outs cost them dearly.
They clearly believe they have enough talent on their list and have only added some youthful exuberance and experienced players to the mix, furthering their chances of returning to September, as well as the pressure on Scott.
