As the 2025 AFL season approaches, several coaches are facing intense pressure to deliver results.

While some have seen recent success, others are at critical junctures in their careers.

Whether it's longstanding coaches like Luke Beveridge at the Western Bulldogsย or those still searching for consistency, such as Adelaide's Matthew Nicks and Fremantle's Justin Longmuir, these leaders will be under scrutiny from fans, club executives, and the wider AFL community.

With premiership aspirations, rebuilding challenges, and contract uncertainties, these eight coaches must guide their teams to successโ€”or risk their future in the league.

2. Brad Scott (Essendon Bombers)

Brad Scott's tenure at Essendon, which began in 2023, has been marked by optimism but growing pressure.

Despite his extensive coaching experience from nearly a decade at North Melbourne, Scott has yet to achieve the finals appearance, let alone victory, that the Bombers and their supporters desperately seek.

In his two seasons, Essendon has displayed glimpses of potential but has failed to end the 21-year finals drought.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 12: Brad Scott, Senior Coach of the Bombers looks on during the 2024 AFL Round 05 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Essendon Bombers at Marvel Stadium on April 12, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

After strong midseason performances in both 2023 and 2024, the Bombers faltered late in each campaign, finishing with 11 wins but just missing the finals. This has raised concerns about their ability to perform under pressure.

As the 2025 season approaches, expectations for Scott and the Bombers are high. To enhance leadership and team-building, the leadership group, including captain Zach Merrett and vice-captain Andy McGrath, recently visited the United States to meet with the Los Angeles Rams and leadership expert Sam Walker.

However, pressure on Scott extends beyond leadership growth to tangible results. Club president David Barham stated that the Bombers are "impatient for success" and that underperformance is unacceptable.

Following a disappointing end to 2024โ€”losing seven of their last ten gamesโ€”Scott vowed to put in a "concerted effort" during the offseason.

Key offseason moves, such as recruiting Ben McKay to bolster the defence, have not yet resolved the team's issues, particularly their poor defensive record. Criticism has also arisen regarding Scott's development of young talents like Elijah Tsatas.

With the stakes higher than ever, 2025 is a pivotal year for Scott's future at Essendon. The burden of proof lies with him as the Bombers strive to escape their cycle of disappointment and achieve finals success.