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 successโor risk their future in the league.
8. Luke Beveridge (Western Bulldogs)
Despite leading the club to a premiership in 2016, Beveridge and the Bulldogs have since been marked by inconsistency, with the 2024 season ending in another disappointing elimination final exit.
The departure of key players has amplified concerns about Beveridge's leadership and tactics.
The Bulldogs still boast a talented list, with stars like Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar, and Ed Richards in the midfield, alongside a strong forward line featuring Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Sam Darcy and Cody Weightman.
However, the exits of Bailey Smith to Geelong, Jack Macrae to St Kilda, and Caleb Daniel to North Melbourne have raised questions about Beveridge's ability to manage his squad effectively. Critics, including AFL great Matthew Lloyd, have pointed to Beveridge's questionable positional changes, which may have contributed to these departures.
Smith, once considered central to the Bulldogs' future, sought a move to Geelong after limited game time and frequent injury struggles, while Macrae, a former key midfielder, left for St Kilda after reduced opportunities in 2024.
Despite these challenges, the Bulldogs still have a solid core, including Liam Jones and Bailey Dale in defence, but their depth is now in question.
Beveridge must find the right balance to capitalise on Bontempelli's prime years and keep the team competitive.
As the 2025 season looms, Beveridge faces the daunting task of not only stabilising a team that has lost key personnel but also leading them back to premiership contention. For many, only a deep finals run will be enough to secure his future at Whitten Oval.
