Assistant trainer Jack Baggoley at the heart and soul of Brisbane’s AFL rise

Jack Baggoley might be the Lions biggest fan, but the part-time staffer and young entreprenuer means just as much to Brisbane as they do to him.

Few fans can claim to be best friends with their favourite AFL players but Jack Baggoley is the exception.

The Brisbane Lions superfan has been key to the club’s rise in 2019 as a part-time staff member, working tirelessly at field and recovery sessions to help his beloved side through their breakout season.

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“I’ve always been a Lions fan, ever since I was born I’ve loved them,” Jack said.

“My job here is an assistant trainer so it’s just getting the boys up and moving around.

“I started working this year after doing a bit of work experience through school, so I fill up water bottles and stuff and help them out one day a week.”

Lachie Neale with assistant trainer Jack Baggoley, 19, of Wynnum. Picture: Liam Kidston

But it’s off the field where Jack, who has Down syndrome, thrives as part of the extended Lions family.

“A few of the boys invited Jack to dinner the other night and Lachie (Neale) went around to pick him up,” Jack’s mum, Andrea, said.

“It just happened naturally and the players really love having him around — he gets along really well with everyone and they love having him around.”

And Neale praises the banter that Jack brings to the sheds.

“I think his coaching tips have maybe helped the boys out a fair bit this year and maybe he’s the reason why we’ve won so many games,” Neale said.

Assistant trainer Jack Baggoley in action on the field during training. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“He loves bagging out Hippy (Eric Hipwood) when he misses shots, so that’s always a good laugh for the guys.

“He always gives the boys bit of an uplift before we go out and train, which just keeps things in perspective which is great to have him around.”

Neale’s friendship with Jack doesn’t mean that he’s the stand out favourite, of course, with the 19-year-old listing Neale, Marcus Adams, Mitch Robinson and Harris Andrews among his top Lions ahead of Saturday’s semi final clash with GWS.

“I think we will win this weekend and we may win the whole thing too but if not, we’ve had the best year already,” he said.

We came second and that’s great, so if we win and beat Collingwood too, who knows?”