Dennis Pagan

Biography

TOPICS: GOAL-SETTING, LEADERSHIP, TEAM-BUILDING

Career coach. It’s a term that is often applied loosely, but one that sits comfortably alongside the name Denis Pagan.

Throughout a distinguished coaching career spanning three decades, Denis has forged a reputation as a meticulous planner, an inspirational leader of men and for the relentless pursuit of excellence. Beyond dispute is the indelible mark Denis has left on the game of Australian football. He ranks 16th on the list of most senior VFL/AFL games coached and as a Premiership coach at Under-19, Reserve and Senior AFL level, he is without peer.

Following a successful playing career which spanned 146 games over 10 seasons at the highest level (120 games with North Melbourne and 26 with South Melbourne) and included State representation and a Grand Final appearance, Denis embarked on what was to prove one of the most enduring and successful of coaching journeys.

Appointed senior coach of North Melbourne on the eve of the 1993 season, virtually overnight Denis transformed a club that had seemingly been demoralised by a record defeat in the pre-season competition just days earlier. He introduced a new game plan, taught the players to believe in themselves, installed a then 21-year-old Wayne Carey as captain and was even instrumental in helping the club secure NZI Insurance as a major sponsor. By season’s end North Melbourne had returned to the September action for the first time in six seasons, while Denis was duly named ‘AFL Coach of the Year’ in his inaugural season.

As one who is able to draw on the full gamut of experiences the pressure-cooker environment of the AFL, Denis speaks with authority on the key ingredients for attaining success, leadership, team building, developing self-belief and confidence, overcoming adversity and goal setting.

Based in VIC – travels everywhere