Fagan leaves future open as Lions chase three-peat against Dockers

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan says he does not know if he will coach on next season, even with a shot at history in front of him.

The 65-year-old confirmed his future was undecided ahead of Saturday's AFL grand final against Fremantle at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He said he will speak with Brisbane's hierarchy after the season to decide what comes next, in his 10th year in charge of the Lions. ABC News

The grand final is Australian rules football's championship decider. It is played once a year, in front of about 100,000 fans at the MCG, to decide the premiership, which is the league's title. Brisbane has now reached that game in four straight seasons under Fagan.

A win over the Dockers would deliver Brisbane three premierships in a row. That run is known as a three-peat. It is rare air.

Only six coaches in VFL/AFL history have led a three-peat. Fagan would become the seventh with victory on Saturday. The last to do it at Brisbane was Leigh Matthews, whose Lions won the flag in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Fremantle stands in the way. The Dockers are chasing their first premiership in club history. They are coached by Justin Longmuir, and a first flag would reset the club's story in a single afternoon.

There is more than one future to sort in Brisbane. Star midfielder Lachie Neale remains undecided on where he will play in 2027. Fagan said earlier in the season he was comfortable with Neale meeting rival clubs to discuss his playing future. AFL.com.au

What makes this stand out is the timing. Coaches often shut down contract talk before a decider. Fagan has left the door open. He wants the season finished first.

For fans, this means Saturday carries two layers. There is the premiership itself. Then there is what comes after for the man who built this run.