New coach Chris Fagan says Brisbane Lions captaincy is up for grabs for 2017
NEW Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has confirmed the club captaincy is up for grabs with a player vote to determine Tom Rockliff’s fate.
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NEW Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says the Lions captaincy is up for grabs.
But Fagan said a decision on whether incumbent Tom Rockliff would keep the reins would not be made until a player leadership vote before the 2017 NAB Challenge.
Fagan did not rule out Rockliff retaining the captaincy despite a tumultuous end to 2016.
However, the former Hawthorn football boss said Rockliff would have to earn it.
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Rockliff strained relations with the Lions at the end of this season after requesting a trade then being forced to apologise for a lewd tweet that he admitted disrespected women.
Rockliff opted to play out the final year of his Lions deal in 2017 after receiving little trade period interest.
Fagan said he had two “productive” talks with Rockliff since arriving at the club.
“He knows the captaincy is up for grabs,” Fagan said.
“He knows what is required and appreciates the fact that I have been clear.
“He will be treated like any other player this pre-season but I expect him to put his best foot forward.”
Asked if he could see Rockliff remaining as captain, Fagan said: “I don’t want to precede anything but whoever is Lions captain next year would have earned the right.
“If he (Rockliff) isn’t captain he would be naturally disappointed.
“But what I am hoping is that he puts the effort in over the pre-season to put his name back up there - that’s the best he can do.”
Fagan officially began his Lions rebuild as coach on Monday when first to fourth-year players returned for pre-season training.
Players with five years or more experience like Rockliff will return in a fortnight.
Fagan revealed the Lions would hold a December camp in Tasmania as part of their pre-season.
Brisbane are again rebuilding after finishing 17th last season - their third straight finish in the bottom four.
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