Chris Fagan, the two-time premiership coach of the Brisbane Lions, recently opened up about his struggles with imposter syndrome, a feeling he experienced until just prior to winning his first flag last year. Following a decisive victory against the Geelong Cats in the Grand Final on Saturday, Fagan reflected on his journey during an interview on Fox Footy’s AFL 360.
When asked by host Gerard Whateley if securing a second premiership in consecutive years had alleviated any insecurities regarding his coaching abilities, Fagan candidly replied, “Yeah, look, if I was to be totally honest, Gerard, there were times when I’ve, even up until last year when we won the flag, I felt like maybe there was a little bit of imposter syndrome.”
He elaborated on the thoughts that plagued him, questioning whether he was truly capable of leading the Lions to success. “Was I good enough to help this team win a premiership? All of those things, all those thoughts go through your head — I think they’re natural enough,” he explained. With the recent victory, Fagan expressed a newfound confidence in his coaching role, stating, “I feel like maybe I do belong in the coaching ranks.”
Fagan’s latest achievement marks a significant milestone in his career. At 64 years old, he has become the oldest coach to win a premiership in the history of the Australian Football League (AFL) while never having played at the elite level. This feat is particularly noteworthy, as he is the first coach to achieve this in over half a century.
Reflecting on his career, Fagan acknowledged the impact of his previous experiences and the influential coaches he worked with. “I think I’ve been pretty fortunate in my football background to have some great coaches, both in Tasmania and working with Neale Daniher and ‘Clarko’ (Alastair Clarkson),” he shared. “I learned a lot from those guys, so I was probably no rookie when I came to the opportunity to coach the Brisbane Lions.”
He indicated that his extensive background in football, spanning 19 years at the AFL level before taking the helm at the Lions, equipped him with the tools necessary for success. Fagan hopes his story serves as inspiration for others in the industry, particularly those who may feel uncertain about their own potential. “I hope that it gives others that have walked in my shoes the idea that maybe it is possible to coach an AFL team if you do a good enough apprenticeship,” he stated.
With a focus on encouraging aspiring coaches, Fagan emphasized the importance of hard work and seizing opportunities. “It took me a long time; I worked at AFL level for 19 years before I did get the opportunity and was very fortunate to get it. But I do hope that it does give other people who are working in the industry the idea that if they work hard enough and take their opportunities when they come along that they may well be able to do the same thing,” he concluded.
This grand final victory not only solidifies Fagan’s legacy within the sport but also serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief in the face of self-doubt. As the Brisbane Lions celebrate their triumph, the coaching journey of Chris Fagan continues to inspire those aspiring to make their mark in the AFL.
