Chris Fagan on Lachie Neale, coaching future at Brisbane Lions, latest news

Chris Fagan has spoken candidly on the Lachie Neale “saga” that captivated the footy landscape throughout this year.

It comes as the triple-premiership Brisbane mentor prepares to take time to closely consider his coaching future amid a fresh report.

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Fagan spoke openly about the storylines this year that continually followed Neale, who’s set to formally join Collingwood as a free agent.

The 33-year-old has been in the headlines since he stepped down from the Lions captaincy last offseason following a public split from ex-wife Jules.

Then there was persistent speculation about his playing future as he tested unrestricted free agency, before a controversial overturned gut-punch ban ahead of last Saturday’s grand final.

Speaking on Monday morning, Fagan said he had “not seen anything like” the Neale infatuation this year.

“I worked at Hawthorn when Lance Franklin was there, and he was a human headline. But not for the length of time it has been for Lachie,” the victorious coach told SEN’s Fireball.

“It’s just been a saga that’s gone on and on and on. I sort of understand it; the gossip side of the media loves it and kept fuelling it during the year.

“Lachie had to make some decisions about where he continues to play his football … so that became a topic of conversation … and then the suspension leading into the grand final.

“It’s a situation that we learned to live with as a football club … and so in the end, you probably become a bit numb towards it.”

Fagan said he empathised with the dual Brownlow medallist, saying his “major focus” was ensuring Neale’s wellbeing.

“He was under a hell of a lot of pressure all year,” Fagan continued.

“And whether people think he’s done the right thing or the wrong thing didn’t matter to me; he’s our player, and I wanted to look after him.

“I think he can hold his head up high from the way that he played the year … he should be proud of what he’s achieved at our footy club, and how he carried himself during the year.

“I felt really sorry for him — something that he created himself, and he knows that — but still, we’re all just human beings, and there’s a lot to like about Lachie Neale.”

Asked if his relationship with Neale was strained, Fagan responded: “No, not at all.

“I just decided to support him. I sort of see the boys I coach as my sons in lots of ways.

“If you’re in my family, I’ll look after you even when you’ve done the wrong thing … and try and make sure you learn from whatever situation you’ve been in and become a better person as a result of it.”

It comes as Fagan is set to make an imminent decision on his coaching future.

The 65-year-old is contracted through to the end of next season; what would be his 11th campaign at Springfield.

But the beloved father figure has publicly lamented the taxing nature of his job, and could be content leaving on a high.

“I haven’t made up my mind. People think I have; I haven’t,” he said on Monday morning.

“I just need a little bit of time to think about whether I want to keep going.

“There’s a relentless responsibility and pressure that exists around senior coaching, and that’s fair enough … but it does mentally and physically drain you.

“I think, if you want to keep doing the job, you’ve got to be able to continue to deliver that energy … I just want to make sure that if I do go on, that I’m going to be able to deliver in the manner that I want to.”

Fagan said if he did step away, he wouldn’t want to have a say in who the next Brisbane coach was.

But he added there were “some internal people” who could do the job.

“They’re both very good friends of mine, so I wouldn’t want to take either side,” he added.

“I would be happy to talk to the club about the type of person that’s required, and my ideas on it, but I figure if I decide to go that it’s none of my business, really.”

SEN’s Tom Morris reported on Monday morning that Fagan was heavily considering leaving his post.

“I think he’s every chance to walk away,” Morris began.

“There are people very close to him who expect him to walk away, but he hasn’t made that final call yet.

“I think he’d make a call in the next few days … (possibly) Tuesday, Wednesday.”

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