It is probably the toughest gig in the business, especially when the expectations are high. Whether they are looking to go that one step further or just make their claim among the best, these coaches will be feeling the heat in 2023.
Here is our list of the five coaches under the most pressure heading into next season.
SEE ALSO: WHO HAS THE OLDEST LIST HEADING INTO 2023?ย
1. Luke Beveridge
Since the miraculous 2016 premiership, the Bulldogs have flatly disappointed with poor seasons and performances in the biggest spots. Many pundits believe the 2016 premiership has wrongly ensured Luke Beveridge an extended tenure as coach, while others believe the six years since have been truly earned.
The Bulldogs have not made the most of a quality list, but while their talent is top-heavy, their role-players have struggled to hold their own and this can be a fault of the coaching staff. Since the 74-point loss to Melbourne in the 2021 grand final, Beveridge and the Bulldogs have spiralled downhill, finishing 8th in 2022 and suffering a brutal comeback loss to Fremantle in an elimination final; a poor year given their talent.
They also have the second oldest list in the competition behind Geelong, who some will argue have changed the dynamics of list needs. But with Liam Jones, Tom Liberatore, Josh Bruce, Jason Johannisen, Rory Lobb and Adam Treloar all 30+, time is running low for some of their stars.
The newfound success of Carlton with former Bulldogs assistant coach Ash Hansen has also raised questions as to his value to the Dogs' previous success and just how big of a loss he may be.
Significant questions will be asked of Beveridge if they do not challenge for another premiership as soon as possible, but reports suggest club figureheads are said to be keen on retaining their premiership coach beyond 2023.
Should he sign on the dotted line before the season starts, the Bulldogs could look red-faced in 12 months' time should Beveridge fail to lead his side to a promising finals run.
