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.

4. Simon Goodwin (Melbourne Demons)

Goodwin enters the 2025 season facing intense scrutiny following a tumultuous period that has challenged his leadership and the club's stability.

While he led the Demons to a historic premiership in 2021, ending a 57-year drought, his tenure has since been plagued by off-field controversies and disappointing finals performances.

Initially seen as the architect of a potential AFL dynasty after the emphatic 2021 Grand Final win over the Western Bulldogs, Goodwin has struggled to replicate that success, with Melbourne failing to win a finals match in the three seasons since.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Simon Goodwin, Senior Coach of the Demons and Max Gawn of the Demons pause for the national anthem during the 2023 AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 07, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The team exited in straight sets in both 2022 and 2023, leading to increased public pressure on Goodwin and key players like Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca to reverse the trend.

Controversies surrounding Goodwin emerged in 2022, with reports of alleged behavioural issues, including claims of gambling and inappropriate conduct. Although dismissed by the club, these allegations have clouded his leadership.

The situation deteriorated in 2023, marked by Oliver's hospitalisation and Joel Smith's suspension for a positive cocaine test, raising concerns about the club's culture.

Despite having a talent-rich roster, the Demons have failed to translate regular-season success into finals victories. This has fuelled criticism of Goodwin, who has struggled to maintain the form that saw the team win 17 straight matches during the 2021-2022 period.

Calls for significant changes within the coaching staff and playing group are growing as the club seeks to remain competitive.

It seems Goodwin must deliver an unlikely strong finals campaign to secure his long-term position. The coming season may significantly impact both the Demons' trajectory and Goodwin's legacy in the AFL.