Introduction: A fresh start for AFL coaching in 2026
A new year is a chance for AFL coaches to reset, refine, and rethink their approach ahead of the 2026 season. With teams aiming to build on recent progress and close gaps to the ladder leaders, the resolutions coming out of club belts are a mix of tactical tweaks, development goals, and leadership focuses. Here’s a forward-looking snapshot of some of the resolutions likely on the agendas of key coaches as the 2026 season approaches.
Matthew Nicks — Adelaide: consistency, structure, and forward cohesion
For Adelaide, Matthew Nicks faces the dual tasks of translating talent into reliable team performance and improving consistency across quarters and opponents. A plausible 2026 resolution would center on: locking in a more predictable game plan, tightening defensive transitions, and developing a potent forward structure to convert scoreboard pressure into clear results. Expect emphasis on squad development, better utilisation of young forwards, and a more ruthless consistency in AFL matchups as the season unfolds.
Chris Fagan — Brisbane Lions: youth integration and consistent defensive standards
Brisbane has been a model of offense with a pressure-based defense. In 2026, Fagan’s resolutions are likely to focus on accelerating youth progression while maintaining a robust defensive framework that can withstand the longer grind of the season. Improvements in game-day rotations, player load management, and defensive transitions from contest to cover will be central themes, ensuring the club’s depth can be relied upon when injuries test the squad.
Craig McRae — Collingwood: balance, depth, and game style adaptability
Craig McRae has built a dynamic, fast-moving Collingwood side. A logical 2026 focus would be on balancing offense with mid-to-late-quarter consistency, expanding midfield depth, and adapting game style to different oppositions. The aim would be to reduce over-reliance on star performers by cycling roles, improving rotations, and ensuring younger players gain meaningful AFL exposure.
Adam Simpson — West Coast Eagles: player development and resilience in tough fixtures
West Coast’s 2026 targets are likely to include strengthening the development pathway for youngsters, improving on-ball depth and versatility, and building a system that can compete across the fixture. Simpson may prioritize a sustainable long-term plan, leveraging a strong club culture to lift performances in key games and ensure the team remains competitive through a demanding schedule.
Luke Beveridge — Western Bulldogs: structure, culture, and tactical diversity
At the Bulldogs, Luke Beveridge’s resolutions could center on reinforcing a flexible game plan that can pivot between contest-based pressure and controlled ball movement, maintaining a strong club culture, and developing a deeper midfield and forward-line understanding. The aim would be to translate talent across the list into consistent, high-intensity performances across all four quarters.
Common 2026 themes across AFL coaching
While each coach has distinct priorities tied to their list, several shared themes emerge for 2026:
– Player development pipelines that feed the senior team with impact players.
– Depth management to navigate injuries and fixture pressure.
– Tactical adaptability to handle varied styles across opponents.
– Clear leadership and culture initiatives to sustain performance.
– Data-informed decisions that balance aggression with control on game day.
What fans can look for in 2026
Fans should expect coaches to lift the level of accountability, with more explicit performance targets, improved game plans for different phases of the match, and a focus on translating training-ground concepts into consistent on-field results. The 2026 season could reveal a broader adoption of flexible tactics, more strategic player development, and a renewed emphasis on resilience and squad balance across all clubs.
