Cameron Bruce wins the race to be Brisbane’s next senior AFL coach

The Brisbane Lions have gone internal and appointed experienced assistant coach Cameron Bruce as the club’s next senior coach to replace three-time flag winner Chris Fagan.

In a decision officially announced on Tuesday, Bruce will step up as the newest AFL senior coach.

Bruce beat home a field of experienced candidates, including 2018 AFL grand final coaches Nathan Buckley and Adam Simpson, as well as Collingwood senior assistant coach Hayden Skipworth.

Bruce was strongly endorsed for the role by his mentor triple premiership flag coach Fagan, who has since retired from senior coaching and moved to a director of coaching position at Carlton.

The Lions released a statement on Tuesday confirming the appointment and said Bruce would bring a fresh voice to the club.

“To be appointed an AFL senior coach is an incredible privilege, and to have that opportunity at the Brisbane Lions makes it even more special,” Bruce said.

“I’ve learnt so much throughout my time as an assistant, particularly from Fages. He has been a tremendous mentor and supporter of mine, and I’m incredibly grateful for the trust he has placed in me and the lessons he has shared.

“I’ll carry those experiences with me, but I’m also looking forward to putting my own stamp on the role and being my own senior coach.”

Bruce has been involved in six premierships as a development and assistant coach at the Lions, Carlton and Hawthorn since 2013, and the players hold him in high regard. He played 224 matches for Melbourne and 10 games at Hawthorn before retiring in 2012. He joined the Brisbane Lions in 2022, and was responsible for midfield and centre bounces at the Lions in 2026.

He also had the advantage of virtual incumbency at a club that had experienced remarkable success and represented stability for the playing group. Bruce had strong backing from many players, who he’d built a rapport with since he crossed from Carlton four years ago.

Bruce’s coaching background included time with AFL coaching great Alastair Clarkson at Hawthorn, having been an excellent player for the Demons in the Neale Daniher era.

Brisbane’s hierarchy insisted on an open process rather than simply appointing Bruce, hence the much later appointment than usual for a senior coaching position.

The Lions’ selection panel included chair Andrew Wellington, CEO Sam Graham, football manager Danny Daly and coaching mentor Phil Smyth. Board member and four-time premiership coach Leigh Matthews acted in an advisory capacity and Simon Black and Matti Clements were consulted.

Wellington congratulated Bruce on his appointment, describing the new senior coach as “the standout candidate”.

“Following three consecutive premierships, we are in an incredibly fortunate position, but we also recognise the importance of continuing to evolve and challenge ourselves,” he said.

“Cameron understands the standards and culture that have underpinned our success, while bringing his own ideas and a clear vision for the future.”

With Peter Ryan and Hannah Kennelly