Chris Fagan Gives Big Hint About Lions Captaincy

Could Rocky stay on?


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Tom Rockliff is firming as Brisbane's likely AFL captain, with new coach Chris Fagan praising the midfielder's attitude and leadership over the summer.

The 26-year-old served as Lions skipper for the past two seasons but was no guarantee to remain in the position, which Fagan declared was up for grabs when he replaced Justin Leppitsch.

However, Rockliff appears to be in with a very good chance.

"I've got to say, in regards to Tom, a lot was said about him last year," Fagan told reporters on Tuesday.

"I wasn't here at the club; I can only judge him on how I've found him since I've been here.

"He's been fantastic around the group, he's trained hard, he's been a leader around the club and been very supportive of me in my first few months here.

"I just want to put that on the table."

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Fagan said Rockliff had told him he was willing to serve a role in Brisbane's leadership group even if he was not returned as captain.

"That's a fantastic attitude by him ... it shows the sort of character he is," Fagan said.

Rockliff was criticised heavily last year for his leadership style and off-field habits.

The Lions were open to trading him at the end of the season but no rival clubs were interested.

Fagan said he had a "heavy" conversation with Rockliff when he arrived at the club about his expectations.

"I just pointed out a few things I'd heard about him. It wasn't my opinion of him - it was just what I'd heard," he said.

"It was up to him to show me and the rest of the coaching group and his teammates what he was about this year.

"He's been very, very good.

"I had a very neutral view of Tom when I came to the club and I was all about giving him an opportunity to show us what he can do, as I have done with every other player on the list."

An announcement on the captaincy is not expected until around March.

Brisbane's playing group and coaching staff will make their selection but the club's board holds final approval.

-AAP

17 January 2017




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