The Brisbane Lions have rewarded premiership coach Chris Fagan with a lucrative contract extension that will keep him at the helm through the 2027 AFL season. The new deal is a major show of faith in the 63-year-old mastermind who led the Lions to their first flag in 21 years with a dominant Grand Final triumph over Sydney in October.
Building a Legacy in Brisbane
When Fagan took over the Brisbane job in 2016, the Lions were coming off a wooden spoon finish and mired in a painful rebuilding phase. But the experienced coach, who previously served as an assistant under Alastair Clarkson at Hawthorn during their dynasty years, quickly set about transforming the club’s culture and fortunes.
After a few lean seasons, Fagan’s Lions emerged as a genuine premiership threat in 2019, making a stunning run to the preliminary final. Heartbreaking defeats in the 2020 preliminary final and 2023 Grand Final only strengthened the squad’s resolve, culminating in this year’s emotional breakthrough flag.
“It’s a good lesson for not just sport, but it’s a good lesson about life,” Fagan reflected. “If you want to achieve things, sometimes it takes you a while and you’ve got to go through a few ups and downs and a few failures before you get there.”
Chris Fagan on Brisbane’s premiership journey
Making History
At 63 years and 283 days old on Grand Final day, Fagan became the oldest coach in VFL/AFL history to guide his team to a premiership, eclipsing the legendary Jock McHale’s 1928 mark for Collingwood. Fagan’s extraordinary accomplishment is a testament to his enduring passion, tactical brilliance, and ability to continually evolve and get the best out of his players.
The new contract extension means Fagan will have ample opportunity to further cement his place among the greatest coaches in Lions — and AFL — history. Having finally captured that elusive flag, the burning question now becomes: can Fagan keep Brisbane at the top and build a dynasty to rival the club’s golden era of 2001-2003?
Overcoming Adversity
While Fagan’s coaching achievements speak for themselves, it’s also worth noting the impressive way he and the Lions navigated the racism saga that rocked the club in late 2022. Despite the intense media scrutiny and pressure of an ongoing AFL investigation into historic allegations from his time at Hawthorn, Fagan never wavered or lost focus.
Brisbane’s decision to stick by their coach through those challenging times has been richly rewarded. With the racism probe ultimately revealing no adverse findings against Fagan, he was free to concentrate on delivering the Lions their long-awaited flag. The ordeal showcased Fagan’s character, resilience and unshakable bond with his players.
A Culture of Success
Lions chief executive Greg Swann hailed Fagan as a “special coach” who has been instrumental in shaping Brisbane’s high-performance environment and culture. On the field, Fagan’s record speaks for itself: four consecutive top-four finishes, the 2023 Grand Final, and now the 2024 premiership breakthrough.
“What is as impressive is the culture he has helped create here, which sees everyone become the best version of themselves,” Swann said. “He has taken this club from bottom of the ladder to a premiership, and we look forward to more success under his leadership.”
Greg Swann on Chris Fagan’s impact at Brisbane
While Fagan will be 66 by the time his new deal expires, the master coach shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, capturing that premiership has only fueled his insatiable hunger for more success. With a rock-solid core of young stars like Lachie Neale, Harris Andrews and Hugh McCluggage locked away on long-term deals, the Lions are perfectly placed to contend for years to come under Fagan’s astute guidance.
Defying Time
In an era where the coaching landscape is more ruthless and impatient than ever, Fagan’s longevity and sustained excellence is a rare commodity. His ability to continually reinvent himself, adapt his game style, and inspire a new generation of players sets him apart.
While some may question the wisdom of committing to a coach in his mid-60s, Fagan’s age clearly is no impediment. His insatiable thirst for learning, meticulous planning, and calm, workmanlike demeanor are attributes that will hold him in good stead as he aims to steer the Lions to even greater glories.
- Fagan’s contract extension marks a major vote of confidence from the Lions hierarchy
- The premiership coach is determined to keep Brisbane at the top and challenge for more flags
- Fagan’s legacy is secure, but he has the chance to become an all-time AFL coaching great
