Brett Ratten is out of the Brisbane Lions coaching race after meeting with club chiefs

HAWTHORN assistant coach Brett Ratten is out of the Brisbane coaching race after meeting Lions chiefs with family believed to be the main reason.

Brett Ratten is out of the Brisbane coaching race.

HAWTHORN assistant coach Brett Ratten is out of the Brisbane coaching race after meeting Lions chiefs.

The Herald Sun can reveal that Ratten, who coached Carlton in 116 games and has spent the past four seasons at Waverley Park, had informal talks with Lions powerbrokers about the vacant coaching job.

While it was not a presentation, his coaching ambitions were discussed and it is understood both he and the Lions decided he would not pursue the position any further.

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Ratten ($8) was third favourite with SportsBet to win the position while Chris Fagan ($1.30) remains the red-hot favourite ahead of John Barker ($6).

It’s believed Ratten’s family commitments in Melbourne were a large reason behind his decision.

Hawks footy boss Fagan remains the overwhelming favourite to replace Justin Leppitsch.

Highly-respected Adelaide footy boss David Noble is expected to become the Lions’ head of football.