Key forward’s move from Hawthorn to Brisbane confirmed

The Lions have boosted their chances of winning next year’s AFL premiership by luring a Hawthorn star to Brisbane.

Jack Gunston has left Hawthorn to join the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Dylan Burns / AFL Photos via Getty Images

New Lions forward Jack Gunston sought reassurances about Chris Fagan’s Brisbane coaching future before committing to moving to Queensland.

The 30-year-old key forward has joined the Lions as an unrestricted free agent after 11 seasons at Hawthorn, where he won a hat-trick of flags from 2013 to 2015.

Gunston worked with Fagan at the Hawks, saying the embattled Lions coach – currently on a leave of absence as the AFL investigates his alleged involvement in a Hawthorn racism scandal – had always been “supportive” of him.

The pair met on Monday, with Gunston saying Fagan was in a “good headspace” despite the accusations made against him and former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

“Obviously there’s a lot going on, but it was good to have a chat, and just chat about old times and have a laugh and try to escape for a little bit,” said Gunston, who admitted it was “worth another phone call” to Lions officials after allegations were made last month against Fagan and Clarkson.

“I can only go off my experiences with ‘Fages” and for me, he’s been a great sounding board throughout my career. We’ve probably lost touch once he did get the Brisbane role, but it’s been great to be in touch over the last few months.

“I can only go by what I know of Fages and he’s been great to me and nothing but supportive for me.”

A word from our new recruit 😍 pic.twitter.com/p7suvLRmxR

— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) October 11, 2022

Gunston was hopeful Fagan would be present for his first training session next month.

“I’d love him to be there (but) it’s out of a lot of people’s hands and there’s lots to go through and deal with, but hopefully ‘Fages’ can get back to the club as soon as possible,” he said.

“I did a lot of due diligence on my decision to either go to Brisbane or stay at Hawthorn. I wanted to make sure I got all the information before making the decision either way.

“It was a great time in my career, the things that have gone on in my life to flip the script.

“I’m a big believer in everyone’s journey is different, and this is how my script is meant to be written and I’m just really excited to … join a list that is constantly building and making it deep in September, and I’d love to be a part of that.”

To acquire Gunston – who has kicked 430 goals in 225 AFL appearances – the Lions traded their round three 2022 draft selection and a future round four pick.

Lions list manager Dom Ambrogio said Gunston – who has signed a two-year deal with his new club – would “add a lot” to a Brisbane list now minus forward Dan McStay, who has joined Collingwood.

“Not only does he bring in premiership experience, he also adds value in many other ways including his leadership,” Ambrogio said.

“Jack is also a well-respected and admired person who we believe is a great fit for not only our team on the field, but our club.”.

Originally published as Key forward’s move from Hawthorn to Brisbane confirmed