Why Fagan is loving his new recruits

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has expressed his surprise at how new recruits Sam Draper and Oscar Allen have recovered far better than expected from their injuries.

Once again, the Lions have been the kings of the AFL jungle, having gone back-to-back thanks to a 47-point win against Geelong.  

And following their second premiership in as many years, they have proceeded to strengthen their side, having added the West Coast forward in Allen and Essendon’s main ruckman in Draper through free agency while drafting academy product and top 10 draft pick Daniel Annable.

Speaking on SEN’s coverage of the Second Test between Australia and England, the two-time Premiership coach has been wrapped with the duo of Allen and Draper, believing that they will be ready to go for the side from the first game of the 2026 season.

“I’m loving them,” Fagan said.

“They are really energetic blokes, and I love those sorts of players in our club.

“Both are great characters; they both have a sense of fun. They’ve both been in leadership roles at their club, which is great because we lost a little bit of leadership with Starce (Brandon Starcevich) going back to Perth, and Oscar McInereney was in our leadership group (who retired).

“I think Draper was regarded very highly at Essendon for his leadership abilities and the way he can bring fun to the place.

“It’s good to have those two players; they are training well at the moment, which is a bit of a surprise. We thought they might take a little bit longer, but they are back, albeit a little bit modified.

“The expectation is that they are right to play Round 1, and in fact, they should be ready to play at least one practice game.”

With the full squad having now returned as they attempt to match the feats of their 2001-2003 predecessors, Fagan noted they have come back in good shape and believes they can continue their strong form.

“We feel like we are in really good shape,” Fagan said.

“The biggest thing is the mindset and attitude after you have had a period of sustained success.

“We’ve been there in the finals for the last seven years in a row; we would like to do it again.

“And hopefully we can get to the end of this decade and say that we’ve been the best team this decade.”

Brisbane’s premiership defence will begin on March 7 when the Lions host the Western Bulldogs in Opening Round.