How long have you been at the Club and what roles have you been involved in over your time?
I first started with the club as a filming intern between 2013-2014 while completing my university studies. Between 2017-2018 I was a part-time analyst with our NEAFL/Reserves side. And I’ve been at the club in a full-time capacity as a Football Analyst or Opposition Analyst since 2019.
What are a few of the best things about working at the Brisbane Lions?
You get to learn from and observe elite operators – whether it’s players refining their skillsets, coaches working long hours on review, presentations and feedback, the high performance department innovating to best prepare our players physically, and admin and wellbeing providing first class support so our players can focus on what they do best.
Can you share a recent work achievement or project you’re proud of?
The 2025 Finals series was a great example of our team’s ability to learn from losses and adjust in a short-time frame.
We had been convincingly beaten by both Gold Coast (66 points, Round 20) and Geelong (38 points, Finals Week 1), so it was particularly satisfying to work with the coaches to refine the focus areas, however all credit goes to the players for performing the way they did!
What are some challenges of working in sport?
Missing family and friends’ milestones when we travel or have a game at the same time and the time lost when delays strike at the airport!!
What are some lessons you’ve learnt during your time at the Club?
Personal growth comes from getting out of your comfort zone, and how an environment that is psychologically safe can allow people to get the best out of themselves.
One of Fages’ favourite quotes is Nelson Mandela’s “You either win or learn” – that’s left a lasting impression on me particularly outside of work.
If you could swap roles with anyone at the Brisbane Lions for a day, who would it be and why?
I’ll pick 2!
Dom Ambriogio our list manager – I know he does a power of work watching a lot of footy and speaking with players, managers and other list managers, but I reckon he’d be privy to some fascinating conversations and negotiations.
Secondly, I’d be one of our trainers who do a great job helping players prep on game day and trainings – They always bring a great vibe but it’d be awesome running onto the field after we’ve just slotted a snag in a big game.
Favourite player/players?
I have an affinity towards the unsung heroes – Big O, Frog, Noz, Forty & Dunks
What has changed the most at the Club since you started?
The standards across the board of both the staff and players have risen year on year. Having our own training base in Brighton Homes Arena has helped immensely – and when I first started Fages was probably trying to guide and show the way for the players, whereas nowadays he’s empowered the players to drive a lot of the standards and take part in a lot of the decision making.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career at the Lions?
It’d be remiss to single out one person. I get a kick out of whenever Fages, Danny Daly or Phil Smyth pass down little nuggets of wisdom whether about football or life.
The assistant coaches (Cam Bruce, Dale Morris, Daniel Lloyd and Ben Hudson) have really accelerated my understanding of the footy landscape and set a high standard with their presentations.
If you could relive one game or event, what would it be and why?
2024 Prelim against Geelong – Last 2 minutes, Cam Rayner on his left peg, kicking a goal from 50m…
Obviously it was a cracker of a game – but at that point it meant we had an opportunity to make amends after the disappointment of the 2023 Grand Final loss. The players and coaches had worked tirelessly for another opportunity and to make the most of it was icing on the cake.
