Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan was unveiled as the Monjon Allan Jeans Senior Coach of the Year for the first time at the 2019 Shadforth Financial Group AFL Coaches Association Awards on Tuesday night in Melbourne.
Fagan edged out Leon Cameron (GWS GIANTS) and Damien Hardwick (Richmond Tigers) after a season that saw the Lions catapult up the AFL Ladder from 15th place in 2018, to second place in 2019.
The 58-year-old accepted the award, which was voted on by his peers and named in honour of coaching legend Allan Jeans, in front of more than 350 guests at The Timber Yard in Melbourne.
Fagan was deemed to be the best performed senior coach throughout the 2019 season, up to and including the preliminary finals, and having regard for current season's performance, available resources, player talent and team management.
AFL Coaches Association CEO, Mark Brayshaw acknowledged the huge improvement in the Lions’ performance in 2019 was due in no small part to Fagan’s expert leadership, and his ability to build close relationships with a young playing group.
“We’re absolutely thrilled for Chris, in only his third year as a senior coach he’s had an incredible season. His strong leadership and experiences are reaping reward in an exciting phase for the Lions,” Brayshaw said.
“To the Lions board’s credit, they trusted Chris to build a positive future, and it’s paid off handsomely.
“We know this Award is held in high esteem, because it’s determined by the 190 AFL coaches. We congratulate Chris, his assistant and development coaches, and also those around and above Chris at Brisbane.”
