New Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan says the example set by the Western Bulldogs proves things can change very quickly in football.

Fagan was unveiled as Brisbane’s replacement for Justin Leppitsch on Tuesday afternoon, ending his success-filled nine-year stint at Hawthorn as head of development and coaching.

And the 55-year-old immediately set his sights on a lift in the team’s effort and defensive performance after a disappointing 2016 season in which the Lions won just three matches and finished second-bottom on the ladder.

Fagan, who beat the likes of Carlton assistant coach John Barker and ex-Western Bulldogs assistant Brent Montgomery, said that the 2016 premiers showed the game can move fast.

https://twitter.com/EONSportsRadio/status/783127193287176192

“Brisbane have a really talented list and their best form is ahead of them,” Fagan told reporters.

“[But last year] we averaged 130 points against which is a massive number. We’ll be looking to make gains in those sort of areas.

“The statistics from last season aren’t great but they are just numbers and those numbers can change pretty quickly.

“The Bulldogs, not so long ago were 14th or 15th on the ladder, so things can change pretty quickly.

“The Brisbane Footy Club can become a team that people respect and look forward to watching play on a regular basis.”

Fagan said his apprenticeship at Hawthorn under four-time winning premiership coach Alastair Clarkson had him perfectly primed for the role.

Clarkson and Fagan in his Hawthorn days. Photo: Getty

“I’m very experienced,” he said.

“I think I’m really strong in the development area, very strong in developing leadership skills as well.

“That’s something I spent a lot of time on at Hawthorn and is something I think is really important.

“I’ve learnt a lot from Alastair Clarkson and all the other coaches there.

“The Hawthorn Footy Club is a bit like a football university in all the people it has developed.”

Brisbane’s new general manager of football, David Noble, endorsed Fagan’s appointment and said that the Lions had to “become relevant in the competition” again.

Asked whether the club’s captain Tom Rockliff and other experienced players were on the trade table, Noble added: “[It is] fair to say we are open to anything and everything.”