‘I would’ve said you’re crazy’: Chris Fagan’s honest admission over horror season start

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has revealed he didn’t think a grand final was on the horizon for his side halfway through the season after they pulled off a miraculous comeback to defeat Geelong in the preliminary final.

The Lions were down by 19 points at half-time but managed to storm home in the final two quarters to win 14.11 (95) – 12.13 (85).

However, from there the fightback was on and Brisbane won nine in a row before finishing fifth on the ladder.

After defeating the Cats, Fagan had to take a moment of consideration when asked how he was feeling after the remarkable victory.

“What am I feeling at the moment?,” he pondered.

“I’m feeling very proud of our group, not just for the resilience they’ve shown tonight but the resilience they’ve shown throughout the year.

“We were in a pretty dicey situation halfway through the season, with four wins and six losses and a draw. The way those boys have gone about it and stuck to their guns is (amazing), they got a reward tonight.

“If you had of said to me at the halfway mark of the season we’d be playing in a grand final I would’ve said you’re crazy but here we are and we’ve got an opportunity.”

In the 2023 decider, the Lions fell four points short against Collingwood in a heart-breaking loss.

Despite the Pies leading at every break, Brisbane stayed in the hunt the whole match but couldn’t bring them down.

Fagan said that played disappointment played a role in their poor start to this season.

“That was driving us coming into this season but in a way I feel like it was driving us too hard,” he said.

“I felt like we were trying too hard, I think that manifested itself in our kicking for goal as an example.”

Now it’s over to a similar playing group to rewrite the wrongs of last year and end a 21-year flag drought for the loyal Lions fans who will yearn for one more opportunity to sing Take Me Home Country Road one last time.