Sack race 2026: Which coaches are under pressure?

As many as six coaches are on the chopping board in 2026, according to Mark Bickley who has given his predictions of which clubs might be on the hunt for fresh leadership.

Off the back of a 2025 season that saw the Demons dramatically part ways with Simon Goodwin, Bicks believes Alistair Clarkson’s position is most precarious.

The four-time premiership coach has endured a torrid three seasons at the helm of North Melbourne with just 11 wins in 69 games in charge.

So who is at risk?

1 – Alastair Clarkson, North Melbourne

“North need to get themselves in a position in this next season where they are almost challenging to step into finals contention.”

“If they have another realty poor season, I believe Clarkson is mature enough to know when to step away. In a doomsday season, where his message continues to not get through to the club, there will likely be a mutual agreement to go in a different direction.”

2 – Luke Beveridge, Western Bulldogs

“There is a high expectation of Beveridge – the club has enough good players that they should be playing finals.

“If not, he could be in trouble.”

3 – Michael Voss, Carlton

“With a huge support system around him, Adam Simpson, Chris Davies and Graham Wright, they really should be finding some success. If things aren’t going well there, Voss could be in trouble.”

4 – Brad Scott, Essendon

“If they go into 2026 replicating their season this year, their patience wearing even thinner after 25 years without winning a final, I think it could spell disaster.”

5 – Ross Lyon, St Kilda

“In a doomsday scenario, if St Kilda don’t win a whole heap of games and end up in the bottom four come finals season, the club will not be happy.”

6 – Justin Longmire, Fremantle

“There’s some big expectations for Longmire. If he produces a wretched year, the club’s finals patience is likely to run out there.”