Ranking the AFL coaches under the most pressure heading into the 2024 season

With the 2024 season just around the corner, practice matches and selection calls incoming, there's plenty to dissect ahead of the first bounce of the ball. With this in mind, let's take a look at the coaches who are under the most pressure heading into the new season. We have started with the coaches with the least amount of pressure, building up to the coaches with the most amount of pressure for the season ahead. Craig McRae (Collingwood) McRae will have the least pressure on him after taking the Pies to a premiership in 2023 in only in his second season at the club. [caption id="attachment_121058" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 22: Craig McRae, Senior Coach of the Magpies speaks with media after the Collingwood Magpies training session at Olympic Park Oval on November 22, 2021, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] McRae will be looking to go back-to-back premiers this year with Collingwood after a stellar opening two seasons at the helm. Adam Kingsley (GWS) Kingsley was very impressive with what he was able to do with the Giants in his first year at the club. He was able to get them to a preliminary final where they lost by one point against the Pies, who then went on to win the flag. [caption id="attachment_130126" align="alignnone" width="2040"] GWS Giants' senior coach Adam Kingsley (Image: GWS Giants Twitter)[/caption] Kingsley was Coach of the Year in 2023 and going into this season there will be slight pressure for his team to perform how they did last year, but it's safe to say Kingsley will not be going anywhere. The Giants will be strong contenders in 2024 if they continue their form from yesteryear. Adem Yze (Richmond) Yze will coach his first season in 2024, and it's evident the Tigers are in a rebuilding stage. Yze will be eager to follow in the footsteps of ex-Tigers assistant Adam Kingsley in what he was able to do in his first year coaching the Giants. Given it's evident the Tigers are in their rebuild phase, Yze won't have too much pressure on his shoulders, but rather looking to be competitive and show glimpses of a new and exciting era. [caption id="attachment_145610" align="alignnone" width="1869"] Richmond senior coach Adem Yze at pre-season training in 2023 (Image via Richmond Media)[/caption] Damien Hardwick (Gold Coast) Hardwick's first season at the Suns will mostly likely see him under no pressure. The Suns will just need to show improvements and growth within the team with an eye on a finals finish. [caption id="attachment_143024" align="alignnone" width="2560"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: Damien Hardwick speaks at a Gold Coast Suns AFL press conference announcing his signing as the new coach at Heritage Stadium on August 21, 2023, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Hardwick is at the Suns to lead them to their first premiership, so it's likely he is on a long road with them, as made evident by his six-year deal. Alastair Clarkson (North Melbourne) With a disrupted 2023 season due to off-field issues involving Clarkson that saw him have extended leave from the club, it was difficult to see the impact of his coaching efforts at North. [caption id="attachment_136684" align="alignnone" width="2560"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Alastair Clarkson, Senior Coach of the Kangaroos addresses his team at quarter time during the 2023 AFL Round 02 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on March 25, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Clarkson will be hoping for a more consistent coaching season and to help North continue their rebuild and become more competitive in 2024. The former Hawthorn coach won't feel too much pressure, but a four-time premiership coach is always going to have some pressure on his shoulders for his team to perform each week and be competitive. Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn) Mitchell's side showed hopeful signs in 2023 and the future of this Hawks side is exciting. [caption id="attachment_129051" align="alignnone" width="2560"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Sam Mitchell, Senior Coach of the Hawks looks on during the 2022 AFL Round 13 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Hawthorn Hawks at Optus Stadium on June 11, 2022, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] They most likely won't be pushing to be premiership contenders in 2024, but to keep the pressure off Mitchell his side must continue to show growth and improvement, and produce a few more upsets in 2024. Chris Scott (Geelong) The Cats are a curious case heading into 2024, with their finals chances never out of reach. [caption id="attachment_64457" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Chris Scott, Senior Coach of the Cats speaks with his players before the 2020 AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval on October 01, 2020, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] There isn't too much pressure on Chrtis Scott since the Cats won the 2022 premiership, though this season will tell a lot if Scott will be the Cats coach that leads them through this tricky stage. With still a lot of veteran players at the club and many others lacking experience, it's difficult to determine how the Cats will perform this year. Micheal Voss (Carlton) Voss was arguably the most under-pressure coach in the early stages of the 2023 season, however he got his team back on track and into a preliminary final. [caption id="attachment_130115" align="alignnone" width="2040"] Carlton senior coach Michael Voss speaks to media ahead of the 2023 AFL pre-season (Image: Carlton FC Twitter)[/caption] Though Voss still has pressure to take the Blues deep into another season and push to be genuine contenders this year, the Carlton coach won't need to do so with a looming contract call after re-signing for two years in the pre-season. John Longmire (Sydney) The Swans struggled in 2023 with injuries to key players, but were fortunate to play finals after a strong second half to their season. [caption id="attachment_32348" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: John Longmire, Senior Coach of the Swans coach addresses the team at a quarter-time break during the 2019 AFL round 18 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium on July 20, 2019, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Due to the young side the Swans have, there isn't too much pressure on Longmire, though an active off-season of recruiting some mature talent will see the Swans bring a competitive side of young and mature talent in 2024. This might increase the pressure on Longmire to do something with this list. Longmire signed a two-year contract extension in early 2023 and if the Swans stay competitive it's likely the longest-serving Swans coach will not be going anywhere. Matthew Nicks (Adelaide) Unlucky to make finals in 2023, the Crows showed several improvements during 2023. [caption id="attachment_121029" align="alignnone" width="2560"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 05: Matthew Nicks, Senior Coach of the Crows during the 2022 AFL Community Series match between the Adelaide Crows and the Port Adelaide Power at Richmond Oval on March 5, 2022, In Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] To date, Nick has done a good job helping the Crows during their rebuild phase. After a promising season in 2023, Nicks will have pressure on him to get the Crows pushing towards playing finals footy this year. There will be additional pressure as his contract is out at the end of the season, so if he can get his team to play finals in 2024, it's fair to say he will be coaching the Crows in what is an exciting period at West Lakes. Ross Lyon (St Kilda) Ross Lyon's first season back coaching St Kilda went better than expected. A great start to the season when the odds were against them saw the Saints play in Lyon's favour, showing the impact he was already having being back at the club. [caption id="attachment_140262" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Ross Lyon, Senior Coach of the Saints speaks to the media after the round 19 AFL match between St Kilda Saints and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium, on July 23, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)[/caption] With a good mixture of talent from youngsters to more senior players, Lyon's side should be pushing to be a contender in 2024 and will have the pressure on to make finals again this year. Chris Fagan (Brisbane) Fagan was four points away from being a premiership coach before Collingwood sealed their famous victory. Going into the 2023 season Fagan had significant pressure on him with recent preliminary final exits and his side's inability to perform outside of Queensland. [caption id="attachment_144041" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Lions head coach Chris Fagan looks dejected after the 2023 AFL Grand Final match between Collingwood Magpies and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 30, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)[/caption] Though his side delivered in 2023, just falling short at the last hurdle, the pressure on Fagan remains as the Lions look to secure their fourth flag. The Lions will be strong contenders and with the side Fagan has they are in fine shape to go all the way. Brad Scott (Essendon) Brad Scott's first year at the club saw him have 11 wins and 12 losses. It was a hard season to read overall. The Bombers had glimpses of improvement but these signs were non-existent during big losses late into the year, eventually costing them a finals chance. [caption id="attachment_128299" align="alignnone" width="1499"] Newly-appointed Essendon coach Brad Scott at his first press conference with the Bombers (Source: Essendon Media)[/caption] After the first year of fever, we will see the pressure on Essendon to improve and for Scott's side to be successful this year. Following an active off-season with the inclusions of Ben McKay and Jade Gresham, there is an expectation the Bombers should be pushing for a return to playing finals in 2024. Simon Goodwin (Melbourne) Goodwin's second straight sets finals exit since their premiership in 2021 has put huge questions on whether he is still the right man coach for the Dees. [caption id="attachment_27660" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: Demons head coach Simon Goodwin looks upfield during a Melbourne Demons AFL training session at Gosch's Paddock on February 18, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Since the end of their 2023 campaign, the Dees have been questioned over their morale and culture at the club, putting external pressure on Goodwin despite his recent re-signing. This year Goodwin will have a lot of pressure to get his side to perform and succeed deep into September, otherwise, the Dees may have a new coach in 2025. Ken Hinkley (Port Adelaide) Hinkley has shown he can coach a team through the home and away season into a top-four position on the ladder, but whether he can coach a team to the final Saturday of September remains unanswered. [caption id="attachment_134825" align="alignnone" width="2560"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Ken Hinkley, Senior Coach of the Power during the 2023 AFL Round 01 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Brisbane Lions at Adelaide Oval on March 18, 2023, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] With two consecutive preliminary final exits in 2020, and 2021 and a winless finals run last year, Hinkley's side has struggled to win against other top-eight teams come th post-season. Port's list is currently a side that can win a premiership, but time is getting away from Hinkley, who is now entering the first half of his two-year deal. This year will be a great chance to make their play for a premiership and why there is a lot of pressure on Hinkley. Adam Simpson (West Coast) West Coast's decision to keep Adam Simpson at the club for 2024 had some heads turn after yet another poor-performing season. Simpson has lost 51 of the last 66 games that he has coached, with the club's past two seasons arguably their worst. [caption id="attachment_30180" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 17: Adam Simpson, Senior Coach of the Eagles coach addresses the team at a quarter-time break during the 2019 AFL round 09 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Melbourne Demons at Optus Stadium on May 17, 2019, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)[/caption] Throughout the year the Eagles were labelled as a reserve team and having a lack of effort, though there were some momentous wins which helped Simpson stay afloat. However, with veterans retiring and a lack of talent there is a chance the Eagles could have a repeat season which could put a huge strain on his coaching position. Though Eagles management have maintained their trust in Simpson, more losses at the start of the 2024 season could put immense pressure on his coaching position, and if the Eagles get off to a slow start we may see a new coach at the Eagles prior to their mid-seasn bye. Luke Beveridge (Western Bulldogs) Beveridge is at the start of another season where the pressure gauge is high and there is a great need for the Dogs to perform in 2024. [caption id="attachment_32152" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Luke Beveridge, Senior Coach of the Bulldogs addresses his players during the 2019 AFL round 17 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium on July 14, 2019, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Since their 74-point Grand Final defeat in 2021, the Dogs have struggled with consistency, failing to win a final in 2022 and then falling short of a top eight finish last year. The Dogs have one of the strongest lists in the competition and at a time when they should be contending for a premiership, they are struggling with form. Beveridge is still contracted at the club for 2025, however if the Dogs have another unsuccessful pressure is sure to mount. The Dogs will have all eyes on them in the opening rounds with all the pressure mounting on Beveridge to get them off to a good start. Justin Longmuir (Fremantle) Since taking over the Dockers in 2020, Longmuir has never been under more pressure. The 2023 season saw the Dockers go backwards, only managing 10 wins and finishing 14th on the ladder. [caption id="attachment_140069" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Dockers coach, Justin Longmuir speaks to his players during the round nine AFL match between Sydney Swans and Fremantle Dockers at Sydney Cricket Ground, on May 13, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/Getty Images)[/caption] Having played finals in 2022 and being viewed as strong contenders. they went into last season as a team with high hopes. However, the Dockers struggled and now all eyes are on Longmuir to see if he can turn things around in a contract year. Nothing however seems to be going in his favour with the likes of Lachie Schultz and Liam Henry moved to Collingwood and St Kilda respectively, and with constant criticism of his gamestyle. With no deal signed for next year, Longmuir will need a strong start to this season to see any chance of a renewed deal being tabled.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	HAW	4	4	0	16	127.4
2	ADEL	3	3	0	12	164
3	BL	3	3	0	12	114.7
4	GC	2	2	0	8	230.6
5	GWS	3	2	1	8	121.3
6	COLL	3	2	1	8	120.5
7	STK	3	2	1	8	109.3
8	WB	3	2	1	8	107.3

Ranking the AFL coaches under the most pressure heading into the 2024 season

We’ve sorted every coach from 18-1 by how much pressure they’re facing this year.

18. Craig McRae (Collingwood)

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