Brisbane Lions coach Christian Fagan has fiercely defended his coaching methods in response to critics labeling his approach as “old-school.” Fagan, who has guided the Lions to consistent AFL finals appearances in recent years, pushed back against claims that his methods are outdated, asserting that those critics “know nothing about what’s actually going on behind the scenes.”
Speaking in a recent press conference, Fagan didn’t hold back. “People who say my style is ‘old-school’ are just guessing from the outside,” he said. “They know nothing about the daily work we put into modernizing our training methods, player welfare, and team dynamics.”
Fagan emphasized that the Brisbane Lions are constantly evolving, integrating data analytics, sports science, and player-centered coaching. “The game has changed, and so have we. I’ve been in this game long enough to know that you can’t afford to get stuck in the past. But what I won’t do is throw away what works just because it’s not trendy.”
The 62-year-old coach, who has earned respect for revitalizing the Lions’ performance, acknowledged that his approach blends traditional principles with cutting-edge innovations. “Discipline, hard work, and a strong team culture aren’t old-school—they’re timeless,” Fagan remarked. “We also use the latest technology to improve everything from injury prevention to game-day strategy.”
He went on to underline the importance of experience. “Football is as much about managing people as it is about tactics. You can’t discount the value of understanding your players on a personal level, which is something some younger coaches may overlook.”
Fagan’s comments come as the Lions prepare for another season of high expectations, with hopes of bringing home an AFL premiership under his leadership.
