Introduction: a fresh start for AFL coaches
With 2026 on the horizon, AFL clubs are plotting a different course after a year of learning, margins, and moments that could have tipped the balance. Coaches rarely reveal their long-term plans, but insiders and analysts often spotlight where each coach needs to improve to push teams toward finals and beyond. Here’s a forward-looking snapshot of what some of the game’s leaders—including Adelaide’s Matthew Nicks—are expected to focus on as the new year begins.
Adelaide Crows: Matthew Nicks — sharpen the defence, accelerate development
For Matthew Nicks, 2026 is about translating potential into consistency. Analysts suggest the focus will be on strengthening Adelaide’s defensive structures and converting inside improvements into more reliable scores. Expect emphasis on midfield balance, improving turnover efficiency, and building a deeper player development pipeline to ensure a sustainable performance curve across the season. If the Crows can lock down their defensive game plan and accelerate young talent, they’ll be aiming to climb the ladder rather than hover around it.
Geelong Cats: Chris Scott — rebuild the game plan around competitiveness
Geelong’s long-serving coach has faced the evolving nature of AFL football head-on. The message for 2026 appears to hinge on tactical flexibility and youth integration. A typical resolution for Scott would be to refine the Cats’ offensive systems to exploit mismatches while safeguarding a steady midfield that can carry momentum through quarters. The goal: a more consistent four-quarter effort and a pathway for emerging players to contribute in high-leverage moments.
Sydney Swans: John Longmire — balance youth with experience
Longmire’s calendar often centers on maintaining steady pressure while accelerating the development of younger recruits. In 2026, the focus is likely to be a sharper balance between veteran leadership and new talent, ensuring a robust defensive structure while pushing for quicker, more dynamic ball movement forward. The resolution is about avoiding the rough patches that punctuated bumps in recent seasons and keeping a clear, shared team culture.
Carlton Blues: Michael Voss or interim solutions — continuity and clarity
The Blues’ season narrative tends to revolve around stability and momentum. In 2026, expectations center on a clearer game style and smoother on-field communication, both amongst players and staff. A practical resolution includes refining transition play, improving goal efficiency, and cultivating a robust defensive frame that can stand up to the league’s most potent offenses.
Collingwood Magpies: Craig McRae — sustain offensive pressure, diversify structures
For the Magpies, the central resolution is often about sustaining high-intensity pressure while ensuring coaching staff can pivot to multiple scoring avenues. McRae’s plan could focus on reinvigorating the forward line with new combinations, ensuring players understand multiple roles, and preserving the team’s offensive identity even when injuries test depth.
West Coast Eagles: Adam Simpson — rebuild confidence, refresh talent pipeline
West Coast’s 2026 outlook commonly centers on rebuilding confidence and expanding the talent pipeline after a challenging stretch. Simpson’s resolutions might include refining set-piece efficiency, accelerating the integration of younger players into senior roles, and constructing a more resilient team culture to compete against the league’s deep, strong outfits.
Analyst perspective: common threads for success in 2026
Across clubs, a few recurring themes emerge: defensive solidity, efficient ball transition, and a deliberate, transparent pathway for youth. Coaches are likely to focus on three strategic pillars: (1) establishing reliable defensive schemes that can withstand the modern AFL’s pace, (2) ensuring midfield structures create cleaner forward thrusts, and (3) maintaining a strong culture that supports player development and accountability. When these elements align, teams typically see improved consistency and closer results in high-stakes games.
Conclusion: expectation vs reality
New Year resolutions in AFL aren’t just about bright ideas; they’re about measurable performance, player development, and a framework that survives the inevitable injuries and form slumps. Whether Adelaide’s Nicks, Geelong’s Scott, or any other coach, the 2026 season will ultimately test whether these resolutions translate into tangible wins, a more entertaining brand of football, and a clear, optimistic path forward for clubs and their supporters.
