Brisbane interviews four finalists to replace retiring coach Fagan
Four candidates begin formal interviews this week for the Brisbane Lions coaching role after Chris Fagan's retirement.
Cameron Bruce, Nathan Buckley, Adam Simpson and Hayden Skipworth will be grilled by the Lions selection panel on Wednesday. A board recommendation is expected within days, with a final decision to follow shortly after.
Bruce, 47, has been an assistant at Brisbane for five seasons and is seen as the frontrunner. Bruce has been part of six premierships across 14 years in coaching roles.
Buckley last coached Collingwood in 2021 and recently worked under Chris Scott at Geelong. Simpson finished at West Coast late in 2024, and Skipworth has spent years at Collingwood as Craig McRae's right-hand man.
Fagan won three premierships as Lions coach before announcing his retirement would come at season's end.
- 3 as Lions coach
- Fagan's premierships
- 47 years old
- Bruce's age
- 5 seasons as assistant
- Bruce's Lions tenure
- 6 over 14 seasons coaching
- Bruce's total premierships
Why it mattersThe Lions are hunting for someone to maintain their dynasty status and keep them among the AFL's elite teams in the years ahead.
AustraliaBrisbane's next coach will shape the club's performance for years and influence which Australian players move or stay at the Gabba.
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