ESPN's AFL Coaching Pressure Power Rankings for 2022

From considering past performances, to time in the job, to what needs to happen this season; we've looked at all 18 coaches to see who should get comfy, who should be on notice, and who is really under the pump.

Note: We've ordered this so that the safest coaches are at the top of the rankings, and the most under pressure coaches are at the bottom.

Safe as houses

18. Simon Goodwin

When you win the premiership, you'd just about have to purposefully run over an old lady in your car to get fired before the very next season, and given what the Demons have built and are building, Goodwin's position is as secure as any out there. Even with reports of historical workplace bullying, and concerns about his drinking and gambling (which, let's be honest, isn't unique to Goodwin in AFL circles), the Dees have their man for the forseeable future.

17. John Longmire

Hands up who predicted that season from the Swans? Well, to be fair, Rohan Connolly did in last season's preseason predictions, but he didn't have many friends. Longmire has helped orchestrate a rapid build at the Swans, and their hunger for faster footy, forcing turnovers and scoring from intercepts is a hallmark of many premiership teams. Another year of experience into the younger brigade only bodes well for this group. The challenge, however, will be a tougher draw, as their 16th-placed finish in 2020 did offer a few favours last year.

16. Luke Beveridge

Given the Chopper 'mo setup that Beveridge has been rocking through the preseason, it's fair to say he's getting comfortable with where he sits in the frame of things down at Whitten Oval. Coming off a Grand Final loss, the Bulldogs clearly have something to work with, and with a number of talented young key position players coming through the doors, a bright future lies in wait for Bevo and his Dogs.

15. Chris Fagan

As long as Fagan wants to be in Brisbane, he'll be there. He's turned this team into a perennial contender, and while the results in finals haven't gone their way (two sets of straight sets exits in three years isn't a great look), this side is still young and probably won't be deterred. The players like him, his style of footy is, for the most part, exciting and attractive, and he's not long into his reign.

Comfortable ... for now

14. Ken Hinkley

When you have someone like David Koch overseeing your every move, it can be hard to feel comfortable, even coaching a team which was minor premier in 2020 and second in 2021. The inability for this side to take the next leap -- that is, make (and win?) the Grand Final -- is a concern given the mature talent on the list like Robbie Gray, Travis Boak, Charlie Dixon and others, but equally, there's enough coming through that should allay Power fans' fears. If Ken can successfully navigate a period of transition over the next couple of years, he should be safe.

13. Damien Hardwick

Falling from premiers in 2019 and 2020 to 12th in 2021 signifies a changing of the winds. What Damien Hardwick does next, and how he navigates these winds is why he falls into the 'comfortable, for now' category. You can't doubt what Hardwick has done for this team, and how he changed the game over the past few seasons, but as is always the case with footy, when a team becomes the hunted, there are 17 other coaches conspiring to tear down your strengths. Richmond are an interesting team to watch in 2022, that's for sure.

12. Sam Mitchell

There's always intrigue when a new coach comes onto the scene, but unlike some of his counterparts (like Michael Voss or even Craig McRae), there's been a lot of investment in Mitchell. The way the club parted with stalwart coach Alastair Clarkson probably wasn't ideal, but it's clear the Hawks wanted their former skipper in the hot seat - and for the long haul. Even if it takes time -- and it might, given where this list is at -- you suspect there'll be a lot of patience afforded to one of this club's favourite sons.

Under close watch

11. Justin Longmuir

Let's be honest, it's pretty hard to split the coaches in this band from 11-7, but they are all under close watch as season 2022 kicks off. This is season three for Longmuir, and after finishing 12th in 2020 and 11th in 2021, there's an expectation that Freo makes a jump up the ladder. The Dockers haven't played finals since 2015, Nat Fyfe is now the other side of 30, and a number of other veterans still their key playmakers, the pressure will be on Longmuir if they don't have a bright start to the season. His saving grace may be that the Eagles are slated to struggle, and media attention in Perth may be elsewhere.

10. Matthew Nicks

Nicks and the Crows enjoyed an incredibly bright start to 2021, knocking over Geelong in Round 1 on the way to a 3-1 start, before shocking eventual premiers Melbourne in Round 10, but also suffered nine five-goal (or more) losses in an up-and-down year. Also now into year three of his tenure, Nicks can cement his position and become a long term coach if he can narrow the gap between his side's best and worst footy - wins aside. If Adelaide's large fan base can stay patient while a lot of young (and local) talent matures, it could pay off in spades.

9. Ben Rutten

Coming into a new season, it's the usual story for Essendon more broadly - and it's the stat that they haven't won a final since 2004. They came closeish in 2021, making the finals but capitulating to eventual runners up the Western Bulldogs. Does it mean Ben Rutten is under pressure? No, he delivered a 50% win-loss record in 2021 after a 35% win-loss in 2020 (including one draw), but as always with these big Victorian clubs, there are many people with many opinions lurking in the shadows.

8. Craig McRae

You feel as though the Pies will give Craig McRae time. After recent off-field dramas involving Eddie McGuire, the Do Better report, and any number of list management and trade blunders, it's a pretty clean slate with which McRae can work. As always with a big club like Collingwood, he'll want to prove there positive steps happening, especially considering the sense of optimism surrounding the coup of father-son phenom Nick Daicos, who looks to be a beauty.

7. David Noble

Has the worst passed for Noble? A wooden spoon in his first year isn't ideal, but it wasn't unexpected and was never going to get him fired. This side was one of the better wooden spoon side's we've seen; four wins and a draw in 2021, and there's cause for optimism going forward. Well, there always is when you secure the No. 1 draft pick, and one of Jason Horne-Francis' calibre. Expectations still aren't high for the Roos, though fans will want to see effort and intent to ensure Noble stays out of the hot seat.

Is it hot in here?

6. Michael Voss

Is it harsh to have Voss in this 'category' given there are other 'new' coaches in the one above? Well, if you've seen how the Carlton board and powerbrokers have acted over the past few coaches -- sorry, I mean years -- then you know that even for Voss, there are no guarantees. David Teague was shipped out of the Blues because they were supposed to be contending. Nothing has changed with this list; fans and those in charge want success and if Voss can't deliver signs early, the blowtorch will, again, be on Carlton's coach.

5. Leon Cameron

Out of contract at the end of 2022, some thought Cameron might not make it that far when things looked a little grim last season. But, winning four of their last five matches, the Giants snatched a finals berth and ended up winning a classic against the fancied Swans. It's clear this group probably hasn't lived up to its potential (even putting up a contest in the 2019 Grand Final would have perhaps earned a 'tick') and time is running out for Cameron to convince fans, players and the board that he is the man to continue to lead this group in the long term. He has, after all, been at the helm for eight years, going into his ninth.

The blowtorch is warming up

4. Brett Ratten

There was a bit of expectation surrounding the Saints last year, but a few untimely injuries to key players like Dan Hannebery and Brad Crouch, Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall, among others, meant the Ratten's side was behind the eight ball early. It didn't help that big-name recruit Brad Hill struggled to find form as well. Having said that, this side was supposed to be in its 'finals window', and fans will be hoping Ratten can deliver a much better season than 2021's 10-12 finish. Already his side faces a number of injury concerns, and a poor start to this season could see the blowtorch swing Ratts' way.

3. Adam Simpson

Coming into his ninth season, questions need to be asked of Adam Simpson, and if he is the man to take this club through its next phase of life. Yes, he's contracted through 2024, but a long list of veterans over 30 will not be on the list by then, and after a disappointing season last year -- which included some hefty losses to Geelong, Sydney, North Melbourne and Brisbane -- it's hard to see the Eagles loading up for 'one more tilt'. It leaves Simpson in limbo; by the time 2024 rolls around the Eagles will surely have to embrace the rebuild, and it's easy to see fans wanting a fresh start. Even Alastair Clarkson last year said he was keen to rebuild the Hawks, and look how that panned out.

2. Chris Scott

Take it from us, there's a fair bit of distance between the No. 1 on this list and Chris Scott, but even ardent Geelong fans understand this team is soon to be at a crossroads. The 'retirement home' schtick is overused in footy media and fandom, but it's also not wrong; Scott's reluctance over time to invest gametime into the younger players on the list -- instead chasing veterans and stop-gaps -- does leave the club open to a sustained period of downturn after a long period of 'almost' years. This is his 12th year at the helm - is the grass on the other side of Scotty looking greener? It's fair to say 2022 is a very intriguing year for Geelong and Scott.

1. Stuart Dew

Now into year five of his tenure, the pressure is well and truly on Dew to deliver some results for the Suns, whether or not extenuating circumstances are a factor in the club's relative malaise. We know the issues the club has had retaining talent, and we know Ben King is out for the year, but Dew is also -- fairly or unfairly -- partly responsible for making the club environment one which is attractive to players currently at the club and those looking to move. Under Dew, the Suns have finished 17th, 18th, 14th, and 16th. If there isn't tangible improvement, he may be out of a job before the year is up.