Dwayne Russell's pressure meter heading into Round 1, 2026

SEN’s Dwayne Russell has named the five teams under the most pressure heading into Round 1.

Russell’s pressure meter ranks teams from 1-5, with number one having the most pressure on them and the most to lose heading into the round.

Check out Russell’s pressure meter below.

1 – Carlton
vs Richmond – MCG – Thursday

“I've got Carlton at number one,” Russell told SEN's Dwayne's World.

“Last week's loss and subsequent supporter carry-on will dissipate like tears in rain IF Carlton beat Richmond tonight.

“But we know what will happen if they don't. To me, I think Carlton has the biggest fallout from a loss this weekend.”

2 - North Melbourne
vs Port Adelaide - Marvel Stadium – Sunday

“I've got North Melbourne at two.

“No improvement in recent season for North, despite getting the super coach in Alastair Clarkson and getting plenty of draft picks in. There's talk of board challenges, talk of Sonja Hood not being able to retain her position.

“North fans have been wanting this game at home for Jason Horne-Francis to come back for quite a while. North should fill this arena to the brim, and hopefully, it's a hostile environment for Port Adelaide and it helps their team get the job done.”

3 – St Kilda
vs Melbourne - MCG – Sunday 

“I've actually got St Kilda at three.

“The Saints have promised a lot and haven't delivered yet. This is the one they have to win.

“They might not have Kozzie Pickett, their best player. The Saints just need to get this done, and not start 0-2.”

4 - Hawthorn
vs Essendon – MCG – Friday 

“I've got Hawthorn at four.

“It's one thing to lose to the Giants in Western Sydney, but to lose to the lowly Essendon, the old rival, and fall to 0-2... not disastrous to their season, but it would put a lot more of a black cloud over Hawthorn in terms of how many holes they've actually got in their lineup.

“I don't think they've got that many holes that it's not fixable, but to me, it's one they have to win.”

5 – Geelong
vs Fremantle - GMHBA Stadium – Saturday

“I've got the Cats at five.

“The Cats were smashed by the Gold Coast last week. They are back home, but Fremantle are going to be fresh. They haven't played yet, and this is going to be a big one.

“I'm happy to say that Fremantle might be a chance at the upset of the round.”