JOB security is a term that is thrown around in AFL Fantasy circles all the time. Head coaches don’t usually get the luxury of having job security, with one losing season sometimes the difference between keeping their job or being sent packing. Through eight rounds a handful of coaches are starting to feel the pressure of numerous losses. Who’s in danger and who’s safe?

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Safe

Adam Simpson, West Coast Eagles
John Longmire, Sydney Swans
Chris Scott, Geelong Cats
Don Pyke, Adelaide Crows
Damian Hardwick, Richmond Tigers
Alistair Clarkson, Hawthorn Hawks

THE six coaches listed above aren’t in danger of losing their jobs. Period. Even if they free fall over the rest of the season and fall out of the playoff race then they will still be coaching in 2019 with the same club. The Hawks or Eagles could maybe be tempted if things go pear-shaped, but I think it’s highly unlikely any coaching changes are in order for these teams.

Safe…For Now

Ross Lyon, Fremantle Dockers
Luke Beveridge, Western Bulldogs
Stuart Dew, Gold Coast Suns
Ken Hinkley, Port Adelaide Power
Simon Goodwin, Melbourne Demons
Brad Scott, North Melbourne Kangaroos

ANOTHER six coaches fall into the second bracket with their jobs reasonably safe. Unlike the others above them if they plummet down the ladder then a change of voice could very well be in order. North Melbourne are climbing out of the gutter, easing the pressure on Brad Scott and it’s too early for Stuart Dew to be in jeopardy. The others should watch their backs though.

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The Hot Seat Is Warming Up

John Worsfold, Essendon Bombers
WOOSHA just signed a new deal with the Dons, but his record (17 wins, 36 losses) doesn’t help to sing his praises. After their 2016 horror show, people expected big things from Essendon in 2018. At just 2-6 they are languishing in the bottom part of the ladder and with a date against Geelong coming up things aren’t looking any easier. There isn’t any reason to panic just yet, but things are definitely trending downwards.

Leon Cameron, GWS Giants
I’VE voiced my opinion over the Giants before, stating that I wasn’t a huge fan. Injuries have depleted their depth and they haven’t looked great with their offense stalling slightly. Leon Cameron has done great things for the franchise, posting a winning record over his three-year tenure. This was meant to be the year that GWS emerged as flag contenders. Instead, they might be tabbed with the dreaded ‘pretenders’ label.

Chris Fagan, Brisbane Lions
THIS is a tad harsh given the fact that Fagan has only been in charge for 30 games. Still, Brisbane is the only team who has failed to register a win this season, blowing close chances against Port, Gold Coast and Collingwood. They are fighting hard which is a positive sign, but if the losses keep stacking up there will be calls for Fagan’s head. His players need to do him a favour and ease the pressure with a W.

Alarm Bells Are Ringing

Nathan Buckley, Collingwood Magpies
I’M dying on this hill, Nathan Buckley isn’t a great coach. He has a slight winning percentage in his six years at the helm but hasn’t achieved a hell of a lot. In each of his five seasons as head coach the team got worse and yet he signed an extension in the offseason! He could turn things around, but if the Magpies fail again this year he should be shown the door.

Brendan Bolton, Carlton Blues
IT’S such a shame to see Bolton in this position as I thought this might be the year they finally get going. Until last weekend they had failed to win a single game and currently, they are the only team giving up over 100 points a game on defense. Instead of climbing Carlton seems to be sliding backwards further casting Bolton’s job security into doubt.

Alan Richardson, St Kilda Saints
THIS isn’t a surprise to me. In an article I wrote six rounds ago I predicted that Richardson would be fired before Round 10. Since that piece, St Kilda has lost five games and drawn one. In those games, they have been outscored by 200 points exactly (bizarre) and if you take out their draw their average losing margin is 40 points. If those big L’s keep piling up Richardson’s a goner.

Peace ✌

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