Sports · Other Sports · 9 hrs ago
Max Gawn backs Melbourne bid for Chris Fagan
Melbourne captain Max Gawn wants Chris Fagan to join the Demons in a football department role.
Fagan stepped down as Brisbane coach after the 2026 grand final and has said he wants to stay in football and move to Victoria.
Melbourne, Collingwood and Carlton are reportedly competing for him, with meetings planned about roles at the three clubs.
Fagan previously worked at Melbourne as an assistant coach from 1999 to 2007, and Gawn says the club now has a chance to bring him back.
Melbourne could use his experience to support coach Steven King, who is entering his second season in charge, after the club’s football department lost general manager Alan Richardson.
Carlton also has an inexperienced coach and is rebuilding its coaching staff, while Collingwood wants to strengthen its football department.
Fagan is likely to decide before the end of the year, according to the reports.
Melbourne captain Max Gawn said he would welcome former Brisbane coach Chris Fagan to the Demons in 2027.
Fagan stepped down after Brisbane’s 2026 grand final win over Fremantle but wants to remain in a full-time football role and move to Victoria.
Melbourne, Collingwood and Carlton are reportedly discussing roles with Fagan in their football departments.
Fagan has said he would like a role similar to his former position as head of coaching and development at Hawthorn.
A decision on his next role is expected before the end of 2026, according to Nine.com.au.
- Who
- Melbourne captain Max Gawn and former Brisbane coach Chris Fagan.
- What
- Gawn said he would welcome Fagan to Melbourne in a football department role.
- When
- Gawn made the comments in October 2026; Fagan is considering roles for 2027.
- Where
- Melbourne, Victoria. Fagan has said he wants to relocate to Victoria.
- Why
- Fagan wants to remain in a full-time football role, and Melbourne could use his experience to support coach Steven King.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Chris Fagan retired as Brisbane coach.
Fagan stepped down following the victory over Fremantle.
Max Gawn said he would welcome Fagan to Melbourne.
Fagan is expected to decide on his next role.
- Clubs in discussions
- Melbourne, Collingwood and Carlton
- Fagan’s age
- 65
- Fagan’s preferred role
- Similar to head of coaching and development at Hawthorn
- Melbourne captain
- Max Gawn
- Potential year at Melbourne
- 2027
3 sources
What people are saying
I see an opening to try and get (Fagan). He was at Melbourne long before I got to the club, and now there’s a chance to go get Chris