Chris Fagan Contract, Hawthorn Inquiry, Brisbane Lions Captains, Dayne Zorko Substitute, Lachie Neale and Harris Andrews, Voting, Leadership Group

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has agreed to a two-year contract extension and is now expected to remain in the role through at least late 2025.

Fagan was due out of contract at the end of next season and his future has been further clouded by an investigation into allegations of misconduct during his time at Hawthorn, which he categorically denies.

The 61-year-old has had plenty of success on the pitch since taking charge in 2017 but has failed in two semi-finals and two semi-finals.

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“Chris has played a key role in our club’s rejuvenation over the past few seasons, including creating an environment that has enabled us to attract and retain great talent,” Lions chairman Andrew Wellington said in a statement.

“It’s exciting that Chris has the opportunity to continue to push us forward and achieve the success we believe this playing and coaching group is capable of.”

The club also announced that Lachie Neale and Harris Andrews would co-captain the team in 2023.

Neale and Andrews will be joined by Hugh McCluggage as vice-captain, with the change in leadership coming after Dayne Zorko stepped down from his role ahead of the 2023 season.

Andrews was the club’s vice-captain for five years while Neale will now add another achievement to a huge resume that includes a Brownlow medal and three all-Australian selections.

“To be identified as the co-captain of this football club is really exciting and something I probably haven’t realized yet. I feel very proud when I look down on the names of those who have gone before me,” Andrews told the club’s website.

“Feeling like I have the confidence of the playing group alongside Lachie and the coaching staff, just having that support there is really important.

“For me it gives me confidence to go out and play my game, teach the group and make sure we’re doing really well as a football club.”

The Lions are widely tipped to go well into September in the 2023 season with a lucrative off-season net against Josh Dunkley and Jack Gunston and father-son star Will Ashcroft.

Brisbane open their 2023 campaign against Port Adelaide in Adelaide.