The status of AFL coaches

Fourth season. Contracted until end of 2021 season

Signed a three-year extension in January last year after losing the 2017 grand final, then missed last year's play-offs. The last Crows coach to miss consecutive finals series was sacked (Brenton Sanderson, 2014).

* BRISBANE: Chris Fagan

Third season. Contracted until end of 2021 season

Inked a two-year extension last August. Overseeing a successful rebuild with the Lions in the box seat to make the finals for the first time since 2009. As safe as any current coach.

* CARLTON: Brendon Bolton

Fourth season. Rolling employment deal until end of 2020 season

Under severe pressure with 16 wins from 76 games. His rolling employment differs from the set contract of other coaches but appears long-odds to remain at the helm next season.

* COLLINGWOOD: Nathan Buckley

Eighth season. Contracted until end of 2021 season

Signed a two-year extension in February. Retained as coach at the end of 2017 despite missing four consecutive finals, then made the grand final only to lose by five points, enhancing his security.

* ESSENDON: John Worsfold

Fourth season. Contracted until end of 2020 season.

Signed a two-year extension in March last year but yet to win a final and missed last year's play-offs. Widely touted as contenders this season but failing to fire, leaving him in the hot seat.

* FREMANTLE: Ross Lyon

Eighth season. Contracted until end of 2020 season

Given a three-year extension in March 2016. A finalist in his first four seasons but has missed the play-offs in the past three years. Highly-rated tactician but considered by many as overly defensive.

* GEELONG: Chris Scott

Ninth season. Contracted until end of 2022.

Inked a four-year extension last August. Won the flag in debut season and has missed finals just once (2011). Shrewd recruiting and injection of young talent has the Cats in flag contention again.

* GOLD COAST: Stuart Dew

Second season. Contracted until end of 2020 season

Tasked with rebuilding, won just four games in debut year and then lost raft of senior talent but is providing solid evidence of improvement with the Suns finally on an upward curve.

* GWS: Leon Cameron

Sixth season. Contracted until end of 2020 season

Signed a two-year extension in July 2017. Made the finals in past three seasons and set for another September campaign despite losing some top-notch talent, thereby boosting his coaching credentials.

* HAWTHORN: Alastair Clarkson

Fifteenth season. Contracted until end of 2022

Four premierships and the longest-serving coach in the competition. Signed a four-year extension last October and rivals can only dream of poaching the most astute coach in the modern business.

* MELBOURNE: Simon Goodwin

Third season. Contracted until end of 2022

Given a three-year extension in March, after winning two finals last season before a capitulation in the preliminary final. Fallen from grace this season when widely tipped as potential premiers.

* NORTH MELBOURNE: Rhyce Shaw

Aged 37, has taken over from Brad Scott as caretaker coach. Went straight from playing into the coaches box as Sydney assistant in 2016-17 before joining the Kangaroos last season.

* PORT ADELAIDE: Ken Hinkley

Seventh season. Contracted until end of 2021

Took a three-year extension in September 2017. Finalist in three of six seasons, with a three-three win-loss record in play-offs. Missed finals last season and fighting to improve from middle-of-the-road status.

* RICHMOND: Damien Hardwick

Tenth season. Contracted until end of 2021

Saved from the axe after 2016 season, then delivered the club's first premiership in 37 years the next. Inked a three-year extension in March 2018 and again is among the contenders.

* ST KILDA: Alan Richardson

Sixth season. Contracted until end of 2020

Yet to reach the finals. Signed a two-year extension in October 2017 but is fighting to clear a path from being perennial non-finalists and under-achievers. The clock is ticking on his tenure.

* SYDNEY: John Longmire

Ninth season. Contracted until end of 2020

Earnt a three-year extension in July 2016. The 2012 premiership winner hasn't missed a finals series, though that is set to change. Does he stick around for a rebuild or seek opportunity elsewhere?

* WEST COAST: Adam Simpson

Sixth season. Contracted until end of 2022

Signed a three-year extension in August last year, then won the premiership. Hasn't missed the play-offs since his first season and well placed for another fruitful finals campaign.

* WESTERN BULLDOGS: Luke Beveridge

Fifth season. Contracted until end of 2020

Won the premiership in his second season in 2016, just after being handed a three-year extension, but hasn't made the finals since and struggling to make an imprint again this season.

Australian Associated Press