Chris Fagan has officially been crowned the AFL Coaches Association’s (AFLCA) Coach of the Year for 2025, a moment that has sent waves of excitement and admiration across the AFL community. The award, which is considered one of the most prestigious honours in the coaching ranks, recognizes not just results on the scoreboard but also leadership, resilience, innovation, and the ability to inspire a playing group. For Fagan, this acknowledgment represents both personal triumph and professional validation after years of hard work in shaping his team into a powerhouse of the competition.
The AFLCA Coach of the Year award is unique in that it is voted on by peers—other senior coaches—making it an honour that carries special weight. To be recognized by those who understand the pressures, the challenges, and the demands of the role is perhaps the highest form of respect. Chris Fagan’s name now joins a decorated list of previous winners, and his 2025 recognition has sparked wide discussion about his impact on the modern game.
Fagan’s coaching journey has always been defined by persistence and patience. Unlike many who take the conventional pathway from elite playing careers to coaching, Fagan carved his reputation through assistant coaching roles, player development, and years of behind-the-scenes work. His rise to senior coaching at AFL level was seen as unconventional, but his approach has consistently proved effective. In 2025, that approach has culminated in a season that few could ignore.
This year, Fagan’s team has shown exceptional growth, resilience, and adaptability. Despite battling injuries and the relentless pressure of the AFL season, his side not only competed but often outclassed some of the competition’s biggest names. Tactically, Fagan has been praised for his ability to balance structured gameplay with allowing his players freedom to express themselves on the field. The result has been a brand of football that excites fans and frustrates opponents.
Beyond tactics, however, it is Fagan’s leadership qualities that truly stand out. Players often speak about his ability to connect with them on a personal level. He is seen not just as a coach, but as a mentor and supporter who understands the mental and emotional challenges of professional sport. This season, that human touch has been a vital part of his team’s culture, helping to foster unity and belief even in the most testing times.
The 2025 recognition is also a testament to Fagan’s consistency over multiple seasons. Rather than a one-off success, he has steadily built a foundation of excellence, taking his club from hopeful contenders to genuine title threats. Critics who once questioned his unconventional background now view him as one of the most respected coaches in the AFL.
For the fans, this award is more than just a trophy for their coach—it symbolizes the progress and credibility of their entire club. For the players, it is confirmation that they are being guided by one of the best in the business. And for Chris Fagan himself, the AFLCA Coach of the Year award in 2025 will stand as a career-defining moment, one that cements his legacy in the sport.
In a league where pressure is constant and success is fleeting, Chris Fagan’s recognition is a reminder that resilience, connection, and vision are just as important as wins and losses. The AFL community has taken notice, and his story continues to inspire not only his players but aspiring coaches across the country
