Fagan’s coach of year gong
BRISBANE’S meteoric rise to second spot on the ladder at the end of the home-and-away season has resulted in Tasmanian Chris Fagan being named the AFL Coaches Association’s senior coach of the year. The Lions collected the wooden spoon in Fagan’s first season in charge and improved slightly to 15th last year before their stunning 16-6 season helped them to this year’s preliminary final.
BRISBANE Lions coach Chris Fagan has been crowned the coach of the year for leading the club’s extraordinary surge up the ladder this season.
Tasmanian Fagan edged out the two grand final combatants, Richmond’s Damien Hardwick and Greater Western Sydney’s Leon Cameron, to take out the AFL Coaches’ Association’s top honour last night. Richmond’s Craig McRae, who led the Tigers to the VFL premiership on Sunday, was voted the assistant coach of the year ahead of Geelong’s Nigel Lappin and Sydney’s Dean Cox.
Fagan has excelled in his third year in charge of the Lions, helping triple their win tally from five victories last season to 16 triumphs in 2019, lifting the club into second spot on the ladder.
The former Hawthorn football manager has been credited for halting the player exodus at the club when he took over and has turned the Lions into one of the most exciting teams to watch in the AFL this year. The 58-year-old accepted the award, which was voted on by his peers and named in honour of coaching legend Allan Jeans, in front of more than 350 guests at The Timber Yard in Melbourne.
All coaches were rated based on their team’s performance, considering the club’s resources, player talent and team management.
The Lions weren’t able to continue their thrilling run in September, going down to the two grand finalists Richmond and GWS in consecutive finals losses. But Brisbane is determined to remain in premiership contention next season despite losing Luke Hodge to retirement.
AFL Coaches’ Association chief executive Mark Brayshaw credited Fagan’s leadership style and ability to build strong relationships with his young players for helping drive Brisbane’s resurgence.
“We are absolutely thrilled for Chris, in only his third year as a senior coach he has had an incredible season,” Brayshaw said. “His strong leadership and experiences are reaping rewards in an exciting phase for the Lions.”