BRISBANE is full of confidence going into the 2023 AFL season after a fantastic recruiting period and have demonstrated this by giving their 62-year-old coach Chris Fagan a two year contract.
Is this contract extension a sign of overconfidence or is it a case of just backing their coach in that they are in for a stellar season?
There was hardly a conga line of clubs lining up to get Fagan’s signature though especially if the Lions didn’t live up to expectations again in 2023.
And if they happened to win the Premiership, his contract extension would have been a formality.
The Lions are bristling with confidence going into the season especially after an off season where they landed gun recruits Josh Dunkley, Jack Gunston, Conor McKenna and nabbed under the father-son rule exciting prospect Will Ashcroft.
Their team led by ball magnet Lachie Neale reeks of talent and they have the added advantage of having the uniquely shaped home ground The Gabba as their fortress.
They won two finals last season, narrowly against Richmond in the Elimination Final at The Gabba and then by 13 points over Melbourne in the Semi-Final at the MCG but were belted by Geelong to the tune of 71 points in the Preliminary Final.
Although there was an improvement the Lions have won three of nine finals under Fagan and that’s still the question mark.
The Lions are $7.50 third favourite to win the AFL flag behind Geelong at $5.50 and Melbourne at $6.50.
