Adelaide Football Club’s coaching director Murray Davis has withdrawn from consideration for the Brisbane Lions’ senior coaching vacancy, as the Lions move closer to finalising their leadership team for the 2027 season. Davis, who held preliminary discussions with Brisbane, has decided not to pursue the role further.
With Chris Fagan expected to step down after the current season, the Lions have identified senior assistant Cam Bruce as the leading candidate to succeed him. Bruce has received strong backing from Fagan and is viewed as the frontrunner to lead Brisbane in their pursuit of a fourth consecutive premiership. Club officials have been actively meeting with potential candidates throughout the past week.
Davis, recognised as one of the most experienced assistant coaches in the league, was also approached by Essendon regarding a coaching vacancy. Meanwhile, Carlton, Melbourne, and Collingwood have expressed interest in recruiting Fagan for senior advisory coaching positions next season.
Davis’s decision not to join the Lions is considered a significant advantage for Adelaide, which had been concerned about potentially losing him from their coaching setup. The Crows also faced setbacks in securing Norwood premiership coach Jade Sheedy for an assistant role, as Sheedy declined their offer.
Despite these challenges, Adelaide has successfully revitalised its coaching panel ahead of the new season. Former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne player Ben Jacobs has been appointed as backline coach, bringing experience from assistant roles at St Kilda and Essendon. Additionally, Jarrod Lienert, who played for Port Adelaide and St Kilda, joins as a development coach with a focus on the forwards. Former Adelaide player Sam Jacobs returns to the club to fill the ruck coach position and will oversee stoppages.
Nathan van Berlo remains as Adelaide’s midfield coach despite speculation he might transition to overseeing the forwards following senior assistant Scott Burns’ departure. Instead, Matthew Wright, previously an SANFL coach, has been promoted to forwards coach. Jack Hombsch shifts from backline coach to a defensive development role, while Andrew McPherson takes on development responsibilities for the midfield group.
In related AFL news, St Kilda Football Club has reached an agreement with free agent Jake Stringer, who will join the club when the delisted free agency period begins next month. At 32, Stringer is set to become the Saints’ fourth AFL club following a productive second season at Greater Western Sydney, where he contributed 48 goals from nearly 100 scoring attempts.
St Kilda’s general manager Lenny Hayes stated that Stringer’s goalkicking ability and experience will enhance the team’s forward line, providing added flexibility and depth. Formal signing with the club is expected to take place after November 2, when the free agency period officially opens.