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Simpson: Can Fagan get wounded Lions off the canvas?
Nicholas Quinlan • September 8th, 2025 5:30 pm
Premiership coach Adam Simpson believes that Brisbane’s upcoming semi-final against the Gold Coast Suns is the biggest moment of Chris Fagan’s coaching career.
The Lions have had a less than desired start in the build-up to the first ever Pineapple Grapple finals match.
Following their 38-point loss to Geelong in the Qualifying Final, it was announced that Eric Hipwood will be out for the remainder of the season with a partial tear in his ACL.
Hours later, it was then reported that their captain and dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will also be out for the clash as he injured his calf late in that Qualifying Final loss.
Following that news, there has been a growing sentiment that the Lions may go out in straight sets for the third time in seven years, with Simpson believing it is going to take Fagan’s best to help Brisbane get off the canvas.
“I think this is the biggest coaching moment of Fages’ career so far,” Simpson stated on SEN WA Breakfast.
“Obviously, last year winning the premiership is number one, but the ability to get this team up now, they are on the canvas.
“They have found out their key position forward might need a knee reconstruction, the captain has done a calf, everyone is flat from their performance. Can they get off the canvas?
“They have been bullied by Gold Coast in their last game. They got thumped. So how do you get the players up?”
With such an important moment in front of the Lions and Fagan, Simpson thinks that to have the best chance of progressing to their fourth preliminary final in a row, Fagan must get up for the clash himself and pass on messages of positivity and aggression.
“The first thing you need to do is get yourself up,” he explained.
“So, Fages’ challenge is going to be how does he get out of the cave really quick.
“So, Monday, he comes in with a big smile on his face and (goes), 'How good is it? We’ve got an opportunity to play in a prelim this week, and how do you get everyone motivated with the aggression you need?'.
“You need some aggression this week and some positivity. So that’s his challenge.”
The Lions take on the Suns at the Gabba this Saturday with the first bounce at 7:35pm (AEST).
The winner of this match will play Collingwood at the MCG in a Preliminary Final next week.
SEN will have live coverage of this match beginning from 5pm, which is available through its radio network and the SEN app.
