Pressure in football comes in many forms.

There’s pressure on players to perform and execute their skills under the watchful eye of teammates, coaches, board rooms, fans and the media. There’s pressure of expectation and there’s pressure applied by opponents.

Coaches Alastair Clarkson, Michael Voss and Essendon’s former captain Zach Merrett are among those facing intense pressure this AFL season.Credit: Getty

As we enter a new season, there are plenty of people under pressure in the AFL. Coaches, of course, feature high on the list, but also key players and club leaders.

Let’s take a look at who from each club is under the most pressure.

Coach Matthew Nicks

The Crows were a slow-burn rebuild for five years under Nicks until rocketing to the top of the ladder last season. But that’s when things turned sour, as they became the first minor premier in the AFL era to be eliminated from the finals in straight sets.

Crows’ coach Matthew Nicks will want his team to atone for its poor finals series in 2025.Credit: AFL Photos

Nicks – and the Crows – will hope the growing pains have passed. A one-year contract extension ties him to the club until the end of 2027, but he needs to prove the finals’ freak-out was a one-off.

Co-captains Lachie Neale and Harris Andrews

Well, it’s difficult to say the pressure is on many at Brisbane, where back-to-back premierships have built a wealth of credit points. But if the Lions are serious about a three-peat, to match what their forebears did from 2001-03, it will be up to the leaders to ensure this side remains hungry for success.

Lachie Neale and Harris Andrews led Brisbane Lions to back-to-back flags. Will the hunger remain in 2026?Credit: Getty Images

Lachie Neale’s well-publicised marriage breakdown has been a distraction, but that issue, publicly, should fade come the season proper. Coach Chris Fagan also has an important role in focussing his men, but it’s Andrews – and potentially a fresh co-captain – who will know how his teammates are really tracking.

Coach Michael Voss

Given a reprieve by new club CEO Graham Wright late last season, Voss will again be fighting for his future when the Blues open their season against the Swans, and old mate Charlie Curnow.

Carlton coach Michael Voss will be fighting for his future this season.Credit: Getty Images

Despite the loss of star forward Curnow, ruckman Tom De Koning and defender Jack Silvagni, the Blues still believe they are a serious finals’ contender. But should the wheels fall off early, Voss will find himself under enormous pressure. There is no one more under the pump this season than the Brisbane Lions’ great.

Star recruit Dan Houston and the Magpies’ best-and-fairest voting system

Houston was a dual All-Australian at Port Adelaide and the recruit the Magpies hoped would lead them back to the promised land in 2025. But the rebounding half-back did not have the impact he, nor the Magpies, hoped for. After making his name as one of the game’s best kicks, he struggled in the Magpies’ down-the-line, handball-heavy system. He finished outside the top 10 in the Copeland Medal count, but Collingwood are determined to use him better once he recovers from a minor hip procedure.

Dan Houston’s maiden season at Collingwood did not go to plan.Credit: AFL Photos

Speaking of the club’s best-and-fairest, that........

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