Brisbane coach Chris Fagan thanked family, friends and his club for helping him through a “pretty tough time” dealing with the fallout of Hawthorn’s racism scandal to win his first flag as a senior coach.
The win marked Brisbane's first premiership since 2003 and capped off a rollercoaster season for Fagan and his team, solidifying his place in AFL history as the oldest coach to claim a premiership at age 63.
“I just felt fairly comfortable all the way through, to be honest. I don’t think I’m anything special, but a pretty tough time I guess, especially when (the allegations) all first came out and things are being said about you,” he said after the game.
“I’m just very grateful for everyone who’s stood in my corner and looked after me.”
Despite the challenges, Fagan remained focused on his coaching, leading Brisbane through a challenging season. The Lions started 2024 in disastrous form, losing their first three games and later languishing in 13th position midway through the year.
However, they staged a remarkable comeback, winning 10 of their last 12 home-and-away games to finish fifth on the ladder.
The Lions’ journey to the premiership was a testament to the resilience of Fagan and his team, who faced numerous obstacles along the way. The Lions were forced to overcome a tumultuous start to the 2024 season, losing their first three games and then losing several key players to season-ending ACL injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Fagan instilled a sense of belief in his players. He emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming culture at the club, particularly for young players. This approach played a pivotal role in Brisbane's revival.
Fagan credited the Lions' success in the finals to their improved pressure. The Lions laid 19 more tackles than the Swans in the grand final despite having 80 more disposals. He said the team’s ability to transform pressure into a strength was a key factor in their victory.
“We talked about turning it into our secret weapon, and the boys embraced that idea throughout the finals.”
The emergence of younger players like Kai Lohmann and Logan Morris further strengthened Brisbane’s premiership run. Both players delivered key performances in the grand final, benefiting from opportunities created by the unfortunate ACL injuries to several of the Lions' first-choice players.
“Crisis creates opportunity, and these young players stepped up on the big stage when it mattered most.”
Fagan's leadership and coaching acumen were instrumental in Brisbane's remarkable turnaround. His ability to navigate a tumultuous period marked by racism allegations and a club rebuild, while simultaneously guiding the Lions to their first premiership in 21 years, is a testament to his resilience and dedication.
Fagan's journey from a struggling club to premiership success has been a testament to his coaching acumen and perseverance. His philosophy of creating a welcoming culture at the club, particularly for young players, has been central to Brisbane's revival.
“I think the culture we've built at the club, where the young players feel welcome and part of the group straight away, has been key to our success.”
While the moment was undoubtedly sweet, Fagan made it clear that the Lions weren't going to rest on their laurels. Reflecting on his previous experience with Hawthorn's premiership dynasty, Fagan noted the importance of staying grounded.
“Winning an AFL premiership is intoxicating, but the challenge is getting back to work and staying focused. We'll enjoy this for a while, but I think the group is motivated to have that feeling again.”
As Fagan and his team celebrated their drought-breaking premiership, the sense of achievement was palpable.
“When you're the coach of an AFL team, you've got to put up with a lot of scrutiny and pressure. To come from where we were eight years ago to winning today is a very special moment.”
With the premiership medal now around his neck, Fagan's journey is far from over. The Lions are already looking ahead to 2025, determined to defend their title and build on their premiership success. But for now, Fagan and Brisbane can savour the moment—champions once again.
A Turnaround Tale: Chris Fagan and the Brisbane Lions
Chris Fagan's arrival at the Brisbane Lions in 2016 marked the beginning of a remarkable turnaround for the club. The Lions were in dire straits, having won just seven games in total over the previous two AFL seasons and losing a steady stream of talented players to rival clubs.
The odds were stacked against Fagan, who had never played a senior AFL/VFL game. However, his experience as a coach at various levels and his time as an integral member of Alastair Clarkson’s support staff at Hawthorn for four premierships convinced Lions legend Simon Black, who was part of the club’s coaching selection committee, that Fagan was the right man for the job.
“Within 10 minutes I was like, ‘This bloke has to be our coach’,” Black recalled after Brisbane’s 60-point thumping of Sydney in Saturday’s grand final secured their first flag in 21 years.
“It was almost like, ‘I don’t care if he knows nothing about the game’.
“His manner, authenticity and genuine care that you could feel from him, it exuded from him.”
Fagan’s first few years at Brisbane were characterized by steady progress and the development of young players. While the Lions struggled to win consistently in his initial seasons, Fagan remained committed to his vision for the club. He focused on building a strong culture and fostering a sense of belonging among his players.
“When Fages came along, we really bottomed out as a footy club. So what he’s been able to do to develop us culturally and get great people to the place, to become a destination club, has been really special.”
The Lions' commitment to developing young players and attracting talent from other clubs began to bear fruit in 2019, when they reached the top eight and secured a finals berth. While they were eliminated in the first round, the signs were positive. The Lions were on the rise, and they were determined to reach new heights.
Fagan's ability to develop players and instill a winning culture was evident in the arrival of key players like Joe Daniher, Josh Dunkley, Charlie Cameron, Callum Ah Chee, Darcy Fort, and Conor McKenna, all of whom played vital roles in the Lions' premiership success.
The Lions continued to challenge for the premiership in subsequent seasons, reaching the top eight every year but failing to make the grand final. Fagan's finals record during this period was 3-6, and critics questioned his tactical nous and ability to take his team the final step on the path to premiership glory. However, Fagan remained steadfast in his belief in his players and his vision for the club.
“I probably thought it would take maybe five or six years, and it has. But we’ve been around the mark that whole time and to get the reward today, it’s worth every heartbreak.”
A Triumph Over Adversity: Chris Fagan's Resilience
In 2023, the Lions were the real deal, reaching the grand final only to fall agonizingly short in a four-point defeat to Collingwood. This heartbreaking loss, however, fueled their determination for the 2024 season.
The Lions faced further adversity at the start of the 2024 season when they lost five players to season-ending knee injuries. This adversity tested Fagan's leadership, but he remained resolute in his belief in his players and his ability to guide them to success. The Lions turned the tide, finishing fifth on the ladder and winning the premiership.
“He’s the coach. He’s responsible for making sure everyone is on the same page in terms of the coaching group and playing group. He did exactly that and really from the middle of the season onwards, our form has been fantastic. So he’s taken a side that was struggling a little bit and created that momentum.”
Throughout his coaching career, Fagan has been a proponent of instilling belief in his players. He has stressed the importance of having fun and enjoying the game. His coaching philosophy is a testament to his belief that a positive and supportive environment is essential for success.
“The whole ‘believe’ and ‘just dancing’ and having fun … that’s something that I reckon after the bye that we came in with. (Fagan) instilled a lot of belief in the group and we enjoyed playing footy, and we’ve been having fun ever since that bye. It shows what can happen when you’re having fun and enjoying your footy.”
Fagan's journey to the 2024 AFL Premiership has been a remarkable one. He has faced significant challenges, but he has consistently shown resilience and determination. He has guided the Brisbane Lions through a period of significant change and ultimately led them to the pinnacle of success. He has shown that with belief, resilience, and a commitment to building a strong culture, anything is possible.
The Man Behind the Flag: Chris Fagan's Legacy
Chris Fagan's legacy as a coach will be defined by his ability to inspire and lead his players. He has built a team that is not only successful on the field but also united and supportive off the field. His commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment has been instrumental in the Lions' transformation.
Fagan's journey to the 2024 AFL Premiership has been a testament to his resilience and dedication. He has overcome numerous obstacles, including a tumultuous period marked by racism allegations, to achieve his ultimate goal. The Lions have secured their first premiership in 21 years, and Fagan's contributions to this triumph are immeasurable. He has earned his place in the history of the club and in the annals of the AFL. His leadership, his coaching acumen, and his unwavering belief in his players have made him a role model for aspiring coaches and a source of inspiration for players and fans alike.
