Matthew Lloyd goes public with startling claim Chris Fagan is hampering Brisbane Lions

Matthew Lloyd has questioned if Chris Fagan is the right man to lead the Lions to an elusive premiership after a 2-4 start to the season. The former AFL player boldly declared Brisbane can no longer win the flag in 2024 and believes the club are on track to go down in history as having one of the strongest non-premiership sides in modern times.

It comes as last year's grand finalists suffered a 26-point loss at the hands of Geelong at the Gabba on Saturday night. And questions are being asked about whether Fagan is the right man to lead the club. "I just think with the talent they've got, we're going to look upon them as one of the most talented groups that wasted it and never won," Lloyd said on Nine's Footy Classified on Monday night.

"We may look at Chris Fagan and say 'was he right for them, for that period of time?'. He's been wonderful to set the club up, but I think, ask the question, is he ... the right man to finish it off?"

The Lions have made the finals every year since 2019 and looked set to claim an elusive flag last September before falling at the last hurdle to Collingwood. However, after a horror start to 2024, Lloyd believes the faith in Fagan's leadership at the Lions and the respect of the side from rival clubs is dwindling.

"The finals series was amazing last year. But they've regressed again. They've regressed when they should have gone on with it," he said. "They don't look like a premiership team."

Matthew Lloys says Chris Fagan's biggest weakness is not having a Plan B

The former AFL player says Fagan's greatest weakness is his inability to make changes on the run and doesn't believe he has a Plan B when injuries strike. He pointed to the Lions horror performance without Lachie Neale against Fremantle, where their midfield was overrun.

"When Lachie Neale didn't play against Fremantle, their midfield gets smashed. When Oscar McInerney is out, they don't recover from losing their ruckman," he said. "I just don't think they can adjust on the run like other teams can," Lloyd said.

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Chris Fagan says things will turn around

After the Lions' loss to Geelong, Fagan admitted while it "doesn't look good" there is no need to panic. Brisbane were reduced to their lowest-ever score at the Gabba in their 26-point loss, beaten 9.9 (63) to 4.13 (37) in heavy rain in what marked their third-straight home defeat.

Last year the Lions won all 13 home games, with the Gabba historically a fortress. However, Fagan says their recent home turmoil and poor run of results are all part of the game. "We created a bit of a fortress for ourselves and right now that's being challenged," he said.

"We've got to stay positive, keep working and I know it'll turn around. I don't think there's anything in particular teams are doing to us to make it occur, it's just one of those things in sport. We haven't put in any disastrous performances but we've found ways to lose, without taking credit away from our opposition.