Brisbane Lions have begun preparing for the possibility of a future without coach Chris Fagan, even as hopes remain that the three-time premiership-winning coach will return for the 2027 season. On Tuesday, thousands of supporters gathered at Brisbane’s Riverstage to celebrate the club’s third consecutive AFL premiership, chanting “one more year” as Fagan and his team made a public appearance.
Fagan, 65, who is under contract for one more year, did not commit to continuing in his role when addressing the crowd. After receiving a key to the city from Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Fagan praised the team’s collective effort and character but refrained from indicating whether he would pursue a fourth straight title. “Who knows what next year will bring for the team, whether it will be a four-peat or not, but we should be very happy with what they’ve done so far,” he said.
Speculation has been mounting that Fagan might step down after a decade leading the Lions. Club chief executive Sam Graham acknowledged the uncertainty, emphasizing that any decision would come in due course. “That’ll all play out over the next coming days and weeks,” Graham said, adding that there are no fixed deadlines for Fagan’s decision. He expressed a strong desire to retain Fagan, citing his leadership qualities and importance as a mentor to players. “He’s an amazing role model, a mentor for many of our players, such a great leader and representative of our football club,” Graham said. “The fans love him, we love him, the people love him, and hopefully that’ll be the case for next year.”
Should Fagan choose to step away, Graham said the club is well-positioned to sustain its competitive edge, noting existing plans focused on player development and recruitment are already underway. He highlighted the strength of the football department staff and suggested that the Lions are likely to consider internal candidates to fill the coaching vacancy. Names mentioned as potential successors include football manager Danny Daly and assistant coaches Cam Bruce, Dale Morris, and Daniel Lloyd. “They’re a terrific group,” Graham said. “If [Fagan] leaves, there will be conversations around that, but that’s premature. He deserves the time to sit back and reflect.”
Regardless of the coaching situation, Brisbane’s leadership expressed confidence in the club’s future, citing a strong cohort of emerging talent. Key young players cited include brothers Will and Levi Ashcroft, Jaspa Fletcher, Logan Morris, and Kai Lohmann. This infusion of youth is expected to help maintain the Lions’ status as a contender in coming seasons.