Chris Fagan has returned to Brisbane after rubbing shoulders with some of European sport's finest athletes and coaches, confident his developing Lions won't be stalled by the departure of Dayne Beams.
The Brisbane coach spent nine days overseas observing training at English Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion and Eddie Jones' English rugby side.
He also walked the course with red-hot Italian golfer Francesco Molinari, whose performance coach has been been employed by the Lions to assist the goal-kicking of Daniel McStay.
Fagan said he returned with fresh ideas and a healthy optimism despite the exit of a player he made clear he had no intention of dwelling on.
"It stimulates you to think; you see some different environments, work out ways to bring them into your own place," he said.
As for All Australian Beams' sudden return to Collingwood, Fagan was keen to get it off his chest once and for all.
"The disappointing bit I guess is for all of us at the club ... we all know internally how much we supported Dayne and (brother) Claye and his family through what was a really difficult time last year," he said, referring to the death of their father Philip.
"Deep down you hope that genuine investment would be returned in terms of loyalty but I understand the situation Dayne was in.
"He was probably weighing up what's best, my loyalty to Brisbane or my mental health and wellbeing for my family, and he naturally chose that and so he's moved back to Melbourne.
"I hope that's the last time I have to answer a question about it because he's no longer one of our players."
The acquisition of Lachie Neale (Fremantle) and Jarryd Lyons (Gold Coast) has helped soften the blow for Fagan.
"I think we've got that well and truly covered," he said.
"I was at Hawthorn when Lance Franklin left and everyone thought the world was going to end ... Hawthorn won the next two flags.
"It's a team game and it's how well we work together that will decide our level of performance next year and how far we go."
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