Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Brisbane triple-premiership coach Chris Fagan has informed the club he will depart the Lions, just days after the grand final victory over Fremantle.
Fagan, 65, had a year remaining on his contract but has opted to step down following an historic third-consecutive flag on Saturday, having said he was contemplating his future in the lead-up to and immediately following the grand final.
It comes after dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale informed the club that he would be joining Collingwood as a free agent, while 2025 premiership player Sam Marshall on Thursday requested a trade to St Kilda.
“Telling the players and football staff today was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. Together, we have been on a mission to make the Lions the most entertaining and competitive team in the competition, and we have done that,” Fagan said in a statement
“This job is all encompassing; I’ve given it my absolute all, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved, but now is the right time to go.
“This club has never been in greater shape, and the list profile would suggest this. The boys will continue to contend, and I’ll be their number one fan, but a fresh face at the helm will be a key pillar for the players to come back to next season, as they work hard to achieve more success.
“The Lions are the sum of our parts, and everyone across the club has played their role.”
Brisbane footy boss Dany Daly, who is one of the top candidates to replace Fagan, praised the outgoing Lions coach for his outstanding service.
“From the very first time we met, I knew we shared the same values and beliefs not only around coaching but also about life, and we were able to over a 10-year period forge a great working relationship and more importantly a great friendship,” Daly said.
“The journey has been amazing, ten years, eight finals campaigns, four Grand Finals and three Premierships; it’s a record which over time we will come to appreciate a lot more.
“I’m forever grateful he backed me in to be the Football Manager, and I hope I have been able to repay him.
“I will miss working with him and selfishly I am sad he has decided to give it away but deep down I am really happy that Fages gets to leave on his terms, as a winner.”
Brisbane Lions Chair, Andrew Wellington said Fagan had revolutionised not only the club but also football as a whole in Queensland and throughout the competition.
“He led with humility, without ego and with an unwavering commitment to helping those around him become better,” he said.
“His influence has reached far beyond the Brisbane Lions. Chris has helped strengthen football across Queensland, inspired a new generation of players and supporters, and earned the respect of the wider football public for the way he has carried himself through success and adversity.
“On behalf of everyone connected with the Brisbane Lions, I thank Chris for the enormous contribution he has made to our Club. We also extend our deepest thanks to Ursula, their two daughters Jessica and Ellen and the wider Fagan family for the time, support and sacrifice they have given over the past decade.”
CEO Sam Graham said they will begin the process to replace Fagan in due course but said now is the time to celebrate his achievements.
“Chris has played a massive role in the transformation of this Club both on and off the field. While we would have loved nothing more for him to continue on, he has earned the right to call time when he was ready, and we’re pleased he’s going out on top. We fully understand and respect his decision,” Graham said
“Chris’s achievements speak for themselves, but his greatest legacy is the environment he created, the people he developed and how he has nurtured this playing group.”
