Father Chris Fagan: A Revelation
Coaches Chris Fagan and Craig McRae face off in the 2023 AFL Grand Final, and both bring plenty to the table.
It’s been a while between drinks—well, not really; prohibition and Geelong remain opposed. Rather, it’s some time since I last scribbled about football; that’s the Australian Rules version, practiced exclusively on the continent of Australia.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the traditions of national holidays on the stated continent, most of Australia will be closed this week. There will be little mention of the upcoming Australian Indigenous Voice referendum; even the indefatigable premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, chose to stop! Permanently!
Yes, us sceptics see through the mendacious Andrews playing the media to the very end, clumsily timing HIS announcement during Melbourne’s busiest week. Shame on you, Mr. Andrews; a proud Victorian, he says! Anyhow, happy retirement, sir.
If you didn’t know, Andrews plays golf at a swanky Sandbelt club. I often ponder how easy it is for him getting on the timesheet. Thankfully, I play at a different swanky club!
Two swinging hypocrites, you might say!
Back to football.
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Why I like Chris Fagan…
Being a sports fan and living in Melbourne, one is naturally persuaded by the allure of AFL Grand Final week. There’s a ritzy best-and-fairest event, player parades through the city, an event where notables try to kick a footy across the River Yarra, and just about everything else you can imagine.
Football likens itself to taxes and the unmentionable; there is simply no escape. It is truly suffocating during any typical week through the regular season; this week, though, is next level.
Hey, that said, I’d take this week over taxes and that other stuff any day! Wouldn’t you?
Unfortunately, with all this comes the inevitable hype and noise from football’s circling circus.
It’s true, football is no ‘cottage industry; instead, it feeds an army of hangers-on: multi-dimensional media, the coterie industry, social media, families, fans, supporters, and barrackers, all pouring over every utterance, fact or fiction. For the most part, the majority is regurgitated nonsense.
But then there is a beacon: somebody, or those that stand out from the crowd—or, to use football parlance, are one-out (please don’t ask me to explain).
That might be Chris Fagan and Craig McRae.
Two tribes remain, and these two coaches have their hearts set on football’s (Australian Rules Football) ultimate prize.
Brisbane's Chris Fagan and Collingwood's Craig McRae have journeyed along divergent paths to arrive at this moment in time, yet both will be consumed by an insatiable need to lift the AFL Premiership trophy late Saturday afternoon.
So what is there not to like about Chris Fagan?
Chris Fagan stands out as a bastion of distinctiveness in the staid waters of AFL coaching, his unpredictable aura defined by an exceptional fusion of sagacity, unassuming humility, and an unwavering, soul-deep ardour for the game of football.
In stark contrast to the superfluity of coaches who lean heavily into strategic facility, Fagan's hallmark lies in his engaging talent for forging profound, personal connections with his players. Be sure, these are not superficial relationships. Fagan moulds brotherhoods, tribes, and fraternities.
And Craig McRae?
Like Fagan, McRae’s coaching is born out of a teaching background. With limited evidence on hand, it seems McRae is unwavering in his focus on nurturing and cajoling individuals within the team framework. Simply maximise individual potential, which feeds into collective strength—he is an ardent believer in the ‘goldfish memory theory’.
Tactically, McRae projects himself as a casual larrikin, preferring to play down his depth of football knowledge. This part of his persona is at odds with Fagan. I believe McRae aims to camouflage his obsession with the X’s and O’s—he’s proven to be an in-game responder, always willing to change course if the game is not being played on his terms—Collingwood’s terms. He has come a long way in a short period of time and has managed to realign a once blinkered Collingwood.
Back to Fages…
We forgive his parents for elongating his first name to Christian; they would have known he would eventually be Chris Fagan. Ask yourself this: How many people match their name with their looks? Chris Fagan is Chris Fagan. No doubt.
Born in Queenstown, Tasmania. Fagan played 263 games in the Tasmanian Australian National Football League (TANFL) and Tasmanian Football League (TFL), with Hobart, Sandy Bay, and Devonport kicking 430 goals.
What does all that mean? Not much, really, other than it qualifies one of Fagan’s core principles: longevity.
Fagan’s stripes were not handed to him; on the contrary, he earned them as they should. And he asks the same of his players.
Given the opportunity, Fagan will be an outstanding grandparent; he naturally mentors and exhibits a ‘father figure’ approach to his decision-making. Responsibility is given to players to make choices both on and off the field. This ‘trust approach’ has not only led to on-field success for Brisbane but has also earned him and his club the respect of the football community.
Please join me in hailing ‘Father Fagan’.
You know, I might finish with this observation—please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
“Chris Fagan galvanises attentive listening through actually believing his every word.”
There’s not one skerrick of BS in Fages.
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And who might win…
Craig McRae and Justin Leppitsch, triple premiership teammates for the Brisbane Lions, will face their alma mater as Collingwood coach and strategy head.
Brisbane, the underdogs, arrive in Melbourne confident after a stunning prelim final comeback over Carlton at the Gabba. Forget the perceived MCG scepticism; Chris Fagan will have his team ready to go. And Father Fagan will make history as the oldest grand final coach if his charges prevail.
In short, Brisbane will put points on the board; if Collingwood is stifled in this space, then there’s your upset and a silent Collingwood army.
Very enjoyable Nick. Go Roys