Cameron Bruce Appointed Brisbane Lions Senior Coach on Three-Year Deal

Cameron Bruce has been appointed Brisbane Lions senior coach on a three-year deal, succeeding Chris Fagan who departed the club in October 2026 after a 10-year tenure that produced three consecutive premierships.

Bruce, 47, has served as Brisbane’s midfield coach since 2022 and brings six premierships of experience as an assistant coach to the role. His appointment was confirmed on 9 November 2026 following an extensive selection process that also considered Nathan Buckley, Adam Simpson, and Hayden Skipworth.

Selection Process

The Brisbane Lions selection committee that oversaw the process comprised Andrew Wellington, Sam Graham, Danny Daly, Leigh Matthews, Simon Black, Matti Clements, and Phil Smyth. Football manager Danny Daly opted not to apply for the senior coaching position himself.

Bruce was identified as an internal continuity candidate with deep knowledge of the playing group and established relationships across the club. Buckley and Simpson were among the external contenders considered during the process.

Bruce’s Coaching and Playing Background

Before joining Brisbane ahead of the 2022 season, Bruce spent four years at Carlton as an assistant coach. His coaching career has spanned six premierships in total.

As a player, Bruce appeared in 234 AFL games for Melbourne and Hawthorn. He was a member of Alastair Clarkson’s Hawthorn side that won three consecutive premierships between 2013 and 2015.

Fagan’s Departure

Chris Fagan stepped away from the Brisbane Lions role in October 2026 after a decade at the helm. Under Fagan, the club claimed three consecutive premierships. Following his departure, Fagan joined Carlton in a director of coaching role.