Retiring Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has reportedly contacted Fremantle star Jordan Clark to apologise for his bizarre drive-by at the Lions’ best-and-fairest night.
In an emotional farewell address, having led the Lions to three straight premierships, Fagan addressed every player in the room but took pause when speaking about Darcy Wilmot to take a pot shot at Clark.
“Motty, I’m not an All-Australian selector, but it’s about time they picked you in the All-Australian team, I reckon, mate,” Fagan said.
“If that Jordan Clark from Fremantle can get picked, I reckon you can, anyway.”
Clark earned his second All-Australian blazer this season after his maiden call-up in 2025, averaging a career-high 22 disposals per game alongside 4.7 marks, two tackles and an elite, according to the AFL, 480 metres gained per match.
In comparison, Wilmot averaged 20 disposals, six marks, 1.6 tackles and 359.8 metres gained this season, and his name was not raised in All-Australian calculations in any circles, not even making the extended squad.
The comment unsurprisingly went down poorly with Freo fans and wider fans with general with Fagan often seen as one of the most likeable and empathetic characters in the league.
While Clark has not made any public comments over the speech, AFL.com’s Cal Twomey has reported that Fagan has reached out to apologise to the Dockers star.
“Retiring Brisbane premiership coach Chris Fagan is understood to have reached out to Fremantle’s Jordan Clark to apologise and clear up his comments about Clark’s All-Australian selection,” he wrote on Twitter.
The Lions have not held back on counting receipts in the wake of their miracle grand final triumph against Fremantle to seal a historic three-peat.
Earlier in the week, two-time Norm Smith medallist Ashcroft used Instagram to call out the All-Australian selectors for snubbing him.
He posted a picture of himself wrapped in a suit blazer alongside his brother Levi and Lachie Neale during the post-game celebrations.
