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Richmond Football Club has announced a significant coaching restructure for the 2026 AFL season, promoting Jake Batchelor and Sam Lonergan to key AFL line coaching roles. Batchelor, previously Richmond’s VFL senior coach, will take charge of the backs/defence line, bringing with him five years of senior coaching experience at VFL level and a recent track record of leading Richmond’s VFL side to a wildcard finals victory. His appointment reflects the club’s desire to inject fresh energy and tactical innovation into their defensive structures after a challenging 2025 season[1].

Sam Lonergan, who has been Richmond’s Head of Development for six years, will transition into a specialized role focusing on the midfield group, particularly stoppages. Lonergan’s background includes senior coaching roles in the TSL and SANFL, and his deep knowledge of player development is expected to enhance Richmond’s midfield competitiveness. The club’s Executive General Manager Football Performance, Tim Livingstone, emphasized that both Batchelor and Lonergan have impressed during an extensive interview process and are seen as pivotal to improving Richmond’s overall team performance in the coming season[1].

This coaching overhaul comes amid broader AFL coaching pressures and club restructures across the league. While Richmond is investing in internal talent to rebuild, other clubs like Carlton have undergone more extensive off-field revamps, including the departure of multiple assistant coaches and football department personnel following a disappointing 2025 campaign. Carlton’s retention of senior coach Michael Voss despite these changes highlights the delicate balance clubs face between stability and the need for renewal[3].

Richmond’s approach appears to focus on continuity and development rather than wholesale change, promoting from within to maintain cultural cohesion while addressing specific tactical weaknesses. Batchelor’s defensive expertise and Lonergan’s midfield stoppage knowledge target two critical areas that often determine match outcomes. This strategic shift aims to restore Richmond’s competitiveness by leveraging the coaching staff’s familiarity with the club’s playing list and culture, potentially accelerating player development and on-field cohesion.

The ripple effects of these appointments are likely to extend beyond immediate game-day tactics. By elevating coaches who have been integral to player development, Richmond signals a commitment to nurturing young talent and embedding a strong football philosophy throughout the club. This could enhance player morale and buy-in, fostering a positive environment conducive to sustained improvement. Richmond’s forthcoming announcements regarding their VFL senior coach and development coaching structure will further clarify how this coaching realignment fits into their broader football strategy[1].

The Melbourne Demons had a notably disappointing 2025 season, finishing 14th with just seven wins, leading to the sacking of premiership-winning coach Simon Goodwin. The club’s core stars, including Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, and Clayton Oliver, are aging and may be uncertain about their future at the club. This underperformance, combined with internal tensions among senior players, signals a pressing need for a strategic rebuild focused on rejuvenating the midfield and strengthening leadership to restore competitiveness[1].

A realistic off-season blueprint for Melbourne should prioritize acquiring a dynamic inside midfielder to complement or eventually replace aging stars like Oliver and Petracca. This aligns with the Demons’ traditional tactical style that emphasizes contested ball winning and midfield dominance. Additionally, Melbourne must address leadership voids exposed by the departure of Goodwin and the questionable influence of senior players, aiming to cultivate emerging leaders who can foster cohesion and resilience on and off the field[1].

Defensively, Melbourne’s struggles suggest a need for a reliable rebounding defender capable of initiating counterattacks, fitting the Demons’ game plan that relies on quick transitions from defense to offense. This positional upgrade would help alleviate pressure on the backline and support the midfield’s ball movement. Given salary cap constraints typical in the AFL, Melbourne should focus on strategic trades and draft picks rather than high-cost free agents, targeting young talent with upside and players who fit seamlessly into the club’s culture and tactical framework[1].

The Demons’ off-season strategy must also consider the aging profile of their key players, balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. Investing in youth development and integrating promising draftees into the senior side will be critical. This approach respects budget limits while building a foundation for future success. The club’s recent form and internal issues underscore the urgency of this rebuild, as retaining star players will depend heavily on demonstrating a clear and credible path back to finals contention[1].

In summary, Melbourne’s off-season blueprint should focus on revitalizing the midfield with young, contested ball winners, reinforcing leadership, and shoring up defensive transitions, all within the constraints of the AFL salary cap. This targeted approach aligns with the club’s tactical identity and addresses the key weaknesses that led to their 2025 underperformance, setting the stage for a return to competitiveness in the near future.

The Brisbane Lions are widely regarded as the current favorites to win the 2025 AFL premiership, primarily due to their explosive and powerful style of play that has consistently outmatched opponents throughout the season. Their ability to perform strongly both at home and on the road, demonstrated by nine wins from twelve away games, underscores their depth and resilience. This form, combined with their status as reigning premiers, gives them a psychological edge and a target on their back that they have proven capable of handling[3].

In addition to Brisbane, teams like Geelong, Collingwood, and Adelaide remain serious contenders, each boasting strong squads and experienced coaching. Collingwood, for example, benefits from recent finals experience and the leadership of premiership coach Craig McRae, alongside star player Nick Daicos, which keeps them in the premiership conversation despite some mid-season challenges[1]. Geelong’s consistency and Adelaide’s competitive edge also keep them in the hunt, but Brisbane’s combination of form, squad depth, and coaching continuity currently sets them apart as the team to beat[4].

Brisbane Lions enter this matchup as clear favorites against Collingwood, largely due to their superior form and home-ground advantage at the Gabba. The Lions have been dominant in recent weeks, showcasing a high-pressure, fast-paced style that overwhelms opponents, while Collingwood has struggled to maintain consistency on the road. Brisbane’s ability to control the midfield and apply relentless defensive pressure gives them a tactical edge, especially with Collingwood facing travel fatigue after a long interstate trip.

Key player spotlight falls on Brisbane’s midfield maestro Lachie Neale, whose elite ball-winning and clearance work is expected to dictate the tempo and supply forward entries. Neale’s ability to break lines and deliver precise inside 50s will be crucial against Collingwood’s contested ball setup. On the other side, Collingwood’s forward Jordan De Goey will be pivotal in capitalizing on scoring opportunities, but he will need strong support from midfield to overcome Brisbane’s defensive intensity.

Risks that could alter the expected outcome include potential late injury updates for Brisbane’s key defenders, which could expose their backline to Collingwood’s attacking threats. Additionally, weather conditions—if wet—might slow the game down, favoring Collingwood’s more physical style and reducing Brisbane’s run-and-carry effectiveness. Fatigue from travel could also blunt Collingwood’s usual pressure game, but if they manage to start strongly, an upset is possible.

Edge to Brisbane Lions given their current form, home advantage, and midfield dominance, but keep an eye on injury news and weather forecasts for any shifts in betting value.

AFL 2025 Finals Contenders: Can Anyone Stop Geelong and Adelaide?

The home-and-away season is done, and eight clubs remain in the hunt for the Premiership flag. Adelaide and Geelong lead the way, but the chasing pack is stacked with dangerous contenders. Here’s the ladder and how each side shapes up heading into September.

Current Top 8 (2025 AFL Ladder)

Contenders in Focus

• Adelaide Crows: Nine wins straight, ruthless pressure, and a stingy defense led by Jordan Dawson make them the form side of the comp.
• Geelong Cats: With the league’s best percentage and Jeremy Cameron firing, Geelong enter September in ominous form despite questions about a soft run home.
• Brisbane Lions: A finals regular with balance across the park. A qualifying clash with Geelong looms as a massive test.
• Collingwood: Last year’s premiers still have Nick Daicos and finals nous, but stuttering form means they’ll need resilience.
• GWS Giants: Red-hot with nine wins from their last ten. Toby Greene and a stacked midfield make them the “dangerous floater.”
• Fremantle, Suns, Hawks: All capable of an upset. Freo’s midfield depth, Gold Coast’s speed, and Hawthorn’s grit give them paths to cause damage.

Key Matchups

• Adelaide v. Collingwood – minor premiers vs. reigning champs
• Geelong v. Brisbane – qualifying final packed with stars
• GWS v. Hawthorn & Fremantle v. Gold Coast – elimination battles with upset potential

Outlook: Adelaide and Geelong look bound for a collision course, but Collingwood’s pedigree, GWS’s hot streak, and Brisbane’s firepower mean the flag race is far from settled. The 2025 AFL Finals promise high drama and unforgettable football.