Premiership glory couldn't shield this AFL legend from an invisible battle that strikes millions of Australians

The final siren had sounded, the confetti was falling, and Chris Fagan was living every coach's ultimate dream. At 64, he'd just become the oldest coach in AFL history to win a premiership, leading the Brisbane Lions to a stunning 60-point victory over Sydney at the MCG.

But in the months that followed this career-defining triumph, Fagan discovered something that might surprise many of us—success doesn't immunise anyone from mental health struggles.

When triumph turns to turmoil

Fagan's Lions defeated the Sydney Swans by 60 points in September 2024 to claim the premiership, capping off an extraordinary coaching journey that began when he took over a struggling Brisbane side in 2016.

But what should have been pure celebration was complicated by an unwelcome visitor that many Australians know all too well.

'After we won, I was incredibly happy... it will be one of the highlights of my life,' Fagan revealed in a candid television interview. 'But for three or four months afterwards, not every day was good.'

The admission that followed was both brave and illuminating: panic attacks, which affect up to 35 per cent of Australians at some point in their lives, had returned to haunt the usually composed coach.

The making of a coaching legend

To understand the weight of Fagan's revelation, it helps to appreciate his remarkable journey. This is football's favourite grandfather, who became the 46th coach to reach 200 AFL games and the oldest by more than nine years. Unlike most elite coaches, Fagan was one of only three winning premiership coaches to have never played at VFL/AFL level.

His path to greatness began in Tasmania, where he played local football before transitioning into coaching and administration roles.

From North Hobart assistant coach in the early 1990s to Melbourne assistant coach from 2000-2004, then crucial roles at Hawthorn from 2008-2016, Fagan built his reputation as a developer of talent and a master strategist.

At Hawthorn, he oversaw the Hawks' premiership hat trick of 2013-2015, but it wasn't until he took the Brisbane coaching job in late 2016 that he could fully showcase his abilities as a senior mentor.

Understanding panic attacks in later life

Fagan's openness about his mental health struggles shines a light on an issue that touches millions of Australians, particularly in our senior years. Panic attacks are surprisingly common, with up to 35 per cent of the population experiencing one at some time in their lives.

Symptoms include extreme anxiety and physical sensations of fear, such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath, trembling and muscle tension.

What makes them particularly distressing is that they often occur frequently and unexpectedly and are not related to any external threat.

For someone like Fagan, who had just achieved the pinnacle of his profession, the timing might seem puzzling. But mental health professionals understand that major life events—even positive ones—can trigger anxiety responses.

Chronic ongoing stress causes the body to produce higher than usual levels of stress chemicals such as adrenaline, while acute stress can suddenly flood the body with large amounts of stress chemicals.

Breaking down the stigma

What makes Fagan's admission particularly significant is his demographic. As a 64-year-old man in a high-pressure, traditionally masculine environment, speaking openly about panic attacks challenges long-held stigmas about mental health.

Older people can have mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which are often caused by triggers such as grief, loss or illness. But they can also be triggered by major life changes, intense pressure, or even the aftermath of achieving long-held goals.

Fagan found the right support, working with the Lions' sports psychologist to manage his condition. 'I had good people around me,' he said. 'I spoke to our sports psychologist.'

The power of speaking up

More than two in five Australians (42.9 per cent) aged 16—85 years have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, with one in five Australians (21.5 per cent) experiencing a mental disorder in the previous 12 months.

These statistics remind us that mental health challenges don't discriminate based on age, success, or status.

Fagan's willingness to discuss his struggles publicly serves as a powerful example, particularly for older men who might be reluctant to seek help.

Without treatment, frequent and prolonged panic attacks can be severely disabling, but they can be treated with a range of therapies including medications, psychotherapy and stress management and relaxation techniques.

The coach's revelation comes at a time when his team faces new pressures. Having signed a contract extension to stay with the Lions until the end of the 2027 season, Fagan continues to build on his legacy while managing the ongoing demands of elite coaching.

Getting help when you need it

For Australians dealing with panic attacks or anxiety, help is readily available. Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) provides 24/7 support and information about anxiety disorders. Lifeline (13 11 14) offers crisis support, while your GP can provide referrals to mental health professionals.

The key message from Fagan's experience is clear: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Even at the pinnacle of professional success, mental health challenges can emerge, and that's perfectly normal.

As Fagan noted in his interview, 'We talk about mental health,' acknowledging the growing openness around these discussions. His courage in sharing his story contributes to breaking down barriers and encouraging others to seek the support they need.