Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Reigning AFL premiers Brisbane have confirmed the appointment of Cameron Bruce as the club’s new head coach.
Bruce has signed a three-year deal, replacing departed triple premiership-winning mentor Chris Fagan.
A part of Brisbane’s coaching staff for the past five years, Bruce said the “opportunity to lead the Lions was a challenge he was ready for and excited to embrace”.
The 47-year-old former Demons and Hawks won the race ahead of Nathan Buckley, Adam Simpson and Hayden Skipworth, who were also interviewed for the role.
“To be appointed an AFL senior coach is an incredible privilege, and to have that opportunity at the Brisbane Lions makes it even more special,” Bruce said.
“This club means a great deal to me and my family. I’m excited to get to work with our players, coaches and staff as we prepare for 2027.
“I’ve learnt so much throughout my time as an assistant, particularly from ‘Fages’.
“He has been a tremendous mentor and supporter of mine, and I’m incredibly grateful for the trust he has placed in me and the lessons he has shared.
“I’ll carry those experiences with me, but I’m also looking forward to putting my own stamp on the role and being my own senior coach.
“We have an incredibly strong foundation here and a playing group that is hungry for more success, but we also know what has worked in the past won’t automatically deliver success in the future.
“The challenge now is to keep raising the bar, continue evolving and find new ways to improve.”
Lions general manager of Football Danny Daly said Bruce’s “relationships and understanding of the playing group were central to his appointment”.
“Cam has built strong relationships with our players and staff over his five years as a senior assistant coach looking after our midfield, and he understands what makes this group tick,” Daly said.
“His ability to connect with people, his football knowledge and his clear vision for how we can keep improving made him the right choice.
“It’s fantastic that Cam and his family will continue to be part of our club, and we’re excited to support him as he takes this next step.”
Lions chief executive Sam Graham said: “I congratulate Cam on his appointment, He has been an integral part of our club over the last five years and through this process demonstrated that he thoroughly deserves the opportunity to be our next senior coach.”
