Chris Fagan is seen during Brisbane's preliminary final against Hawthorn on September 19, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

BRISBANE coach Chris Fagan has backed the decision to pay a holding the ball free kick against Hawthorn defender Jarman Impey, saying he would expect the call if his player was in the same position.

Impey gave away a free kick with 40 seconds remaining at the MCG on Saturday and Hugh McCluggage converted as the Lions won an all-time classic preliminary final.

HAWKS v LIONS Full match coverage and stats

The Hawk had the ball in his arm, which was free, and took too long to dispose of it in a McCluggage tackle.

Fagan believes the umpire made the right decision as the Lions booked a fourth consecutive Grand Final appearance.

"I didn't necessarily have the greatest of views, but it didn't look like Impey was actually trying to get the ball out and I think that's what caused the umpire to pay the free kick," he said.

"I've seen a replay of it now and I actually think that's an OK decision. I would expect one of my players to be paid a free kick against if that was what he did.

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"I don't know what the whole world thinks, but that's the way they interpret it, you've got to be making a genuine attempt to get rid of the ball and he didn't.

"He held it, held it, held it, held it, held it and at the last minute he tried to kick it so I think that's an OK decision."

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In an all-time classic, the Lions held a 20-point lead at three-quarter time but had to come from behind in the dying stages to set up a Grand Final against Fremantle.

Hit by injuries this year, McCluggage capped a fine performance that included 23 disposals and three goals.

"I was really pleased for him just because he's had a year where it's been a bit of a battle injury-wise," Fagan said.

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"We put him back in for the first final, he didn't play all that well. He got a little bit better last week.

"But he showed up tonight big time – not just because he kicked that goal, he did a lot of other good work as well. He kicked three didn't he? He was one of our high possession winners. So very happy for him.

"You always worry that they're going to miss because if they do then they feel responsible for the loss. This time it turned out well."