While the annual Big Freeze at the G event wasn't able to go ahead on its usual date, the significance certainly wasn't lost on Brisbane coach Chris Fagan.
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Taking an ice bucket challenge at his Brisbane home to continue raising awareness for his close friend Neale Daniher's battle with motor neuron disease, the Tasmanian has kept him close in his thoughts throughout football's break.
"I'm grateful to Neale forever - one, for giving me a job in the AFL at Melbourne footy club (in 1998) when my background in Tassie didn't suggest I'd necessarily get one in coaching," Fagan said to Lions Media.
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"Knowing him and having been on the journey with him for the past 20-odd years has been the greatest benefit to me just learning from a top-class person."
Saying he often thinks of what Daniher would do during a time of adversity, Fagan has continued to regularly stay in contact with his group, estimating he makes up to 60 phone calls a week.
Life hasn't just changed for Fagan, but also for former North Launceston leader Zane Littlejohn, who as a development coach at the Lions, has taken up a short-term teaching contract.
"We live a very routine-orientated life and suddenly it was all out the door with no footy, so getting purpose and routine in our lives to get up and going when the time arrives is really important," Fagan said.
Brisbane's round one featured a 28-point loss at the hands of Hawthorn.
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