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In a moment that cements his place among the modern greats of Australian Rules Football, Brisbane Lions senior coach Chris Fagan has officially been crowned the AFL Coaches Association’s (AFLCA) Coach of the Year for 2025. The announcement, made on Thursday evening, comes as a crowning achievement in what has been a stellar season for both Fagan and the Lions, underlining his ability to inspire, adapt, and deliver at the highest level.
The AFLCA Coach of the Year award is considered one of the most prestigious coaching honours in the sport, as it is voted on exclusively by his peers — the other AFL coaches. This recognition is not only a testament to on-field success but also acknowledges leadership, innovation, and the ability to build a resilient culture within a team. For Fagan, who has now guided the Lions through a transformative era since taking over in 2016, the accolade is a validation of nearly a decade of hard work and vision.
A Season of Consistency and Excellence
The 2025 season has been nothing short of remarkable for Brisbane. Despite early injury concerns and tough matchups, Fagan managed to steer his side to another top-four finish, with the Lions showcasing both attacking flair and defensive steel. His ability to rotate younger talents seamlessly into the senior side while still extracting the best out of seasoned veterans like Lachie Neale and Harris Andrews has been praised across the league.
More importantly, Brisbane demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, rebounding strongly after mid-season stumbles to finish with a surge of momentum heading into finals. That balance of player development, tactical nous, and man-management is what set Fagan apart in the AFLCA voting process.
Fagan’s Legacy Taking Shape
At 63, Fagan’s journey is a story of patience, persistence, and progression. Unlike many coaches who transitioned directly from playing careers, Fagan never played at AFL level but instead built his reputation through years of dedication in assistant roles at Melbourne and Hawthorn. His time at Hawthorn as head of coaching and development during their golden premiership run gave him invaluable insight into elite performance environments.
When he was appointed senior coach of Brisbane in late 2016, the Lions were in turmoil, languishing near the bottom of the ladder and struggling to attract or retain talent. Under his stewardship, however, the club has steadily risen to become a consistent premiership contender. His calm demeanor, empathetic approach to player welfare, and steady leadership style have been highlighted as central to Brisbane’s transformation.
Peers Show Their Respect
Perhaps the most telling aspect of this award is that it comes from Fagan’s peers — fellow AFL coaches who understand the demands of the job better than anyone. Being recognised by those who share the same pressure-filled environment is a reflection of the immense respect Fagan commands across the competition.
AFLCA Chief Executive Mark Brayshaw praised Fagan’s leadership in announcing the award, stating:
“Chris has demonstrated what great coaching is all about — resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to both his players and the game itself. His peers see him as a leader who not only drives success on the field but also nurtures a strong, respectful culture off it.”
Looking Ahead
For Fagan and the Lions, the 2025 campaign is not yet over, with the club eyeing another deep finals run. But regardless of how September plays out, this award stands as a powerful acknowledgment of Fagan’s contribution to Brisbane’s rise and his standing within the AFL coaching fraternity.
As the Lions faithful celebrate this honour, there is little doubt that Chris Fagan’s name is now firmly etched among the most influential coaches of the modern game. His story serves as an inspiration that pathways into senior coaching need not be conventional, and that passion, patience, and people-first leadership remain the hallmarks of true success.
