Top AFL Coaches of 2026 Ranked

As the 2026 AFL season wraps up, an analysis of the coaches' performances has been conducted, revealing insights into their rankings.

Some coaches benefited from strong player rosters, while others, particularly first-time coaches, made notable impacts. On The Outer Wing podcast, Mark Stevens and Digby Beacham discussed their top five coaches, emphasizing Craig McRae's impressive turnaround with his team, which faced challenges such as injuries and an aging roster.

Despite a rough start to the season, McRae led his team to a remarkable recovery, winning seven out of eight matches after a difficult period, showcasing his effective coaching skills.