Grant Birchall’s connection with Chris Fagan goes back a long way.

In fact he can’t remember a time when he didn’t know the man who will coach him in an AFL game for the first time against Fremantle tomorrow.

They both hail from Queenstown on the West Coast of Tasmania and Birchall’s parents Cathy and Ian were school mates of Fagan’s.

After a couple of injury interrupted seasons in his last years at Hawthorn the four-time premiership player thought a fresh start might be the best thing for his footy.

Brisbane’s record with injury prevention was a major selling point, but there’s no doubt his relationship and admiration for Fagan was the sealer.

“He actually went to school with my mum and dad, they are from the same place in Tassie, a little place called Queenstown so it goes right back,’’ he said.

“They always got along, so I have heard of Fages all the time I was growing up in Tassie.

“And he was always a very popular member of the Hawthorn footy club, the boys absolutely loved him.

“It was no surprise he got the gig (at Brisbane),  he was really passionate about his footy and his coaching, that’s what he wanted to do and it is great he got the opportunity to do that.’’

Fellow ex-Hawks Fagan and Luke Hodge enjoyed wins in their first meeting against their old club and Birchall still has the chance to keep tat record intact.

 The Lions lost to the Hawks in round one but their new recruit was a late withdrawal after suffering some hamstring tightness.

“I was really angry and frustrated by that one I just had a tight niggly hammie on Tuesday during the week leading up to the game,’’ he said.

“Fages just decided not to take the risk and he pulled me out late.

“It was unfortunate, I was really looking forward to coming up against the old team, hopefully it will happen late down the track.’’

When the 248-game veteran arrived Fagan was careful to point out his recruitment was not based on the same philosophy as that of his former premiership captain.

Hodge was lured North to act as an on-field coach and mentor his solid form over two seasons was icing on the cake.

Fagan is convinced Birchall, can rediscover the form that made him an integral part of four Hawthorn premierships.

He is here to play and is hopeful, it may extend beyond his current contract.

“I certainly hope so, that would be nice,’’ he said.

“I still feel as though I can play at a really high level albeit that I have been injured the past few years which has been frustrating, but hopefully having that time off can prolong my career.

“Hopefully, we can have some success and if I can play a role and be a part of that it would be unreal.

“I’m no Luke Hodge that’s for sure, he was an unbelievable footballer and an unbelievable leader and that’s I think something the Lions needed a few years ago.

“I’ll provide leadership and that sort of stuff but I really want to contribute on the field and get back to playing some really good footy.’’