CHRIS Fagan doesn't have to look too far for inspiration ahead of his first game in charge of the Brisbane Lions.

At the age of 55, Fagan will debut as a senior coach in Saturday night's QClash against Gold Coast, just hours after the club's women's team tries to win the inaugural AFLW decider.

Tipped to be wooden spooners prior to the season, the Lions' women have defied the odds to march into the Grand Final against Adelaide.

Fagan says his men's team – 17th the past two seasons – can take heart from the women.

"We've been inspired by the efforts of the girls," Fagan said.

"They've shocked the whole competition and it's a credit to them.

"What they do every week is play with enormous effort and they play with enormous teamwork and we take great heart from that.

"We'll be trying to emulate the way they play when we run out tomorrow night."

Since walking into the job last October, Fagan has preached effort and commitment, and his final before media conference before the Suns match was no different.

He said they would not tolerate losing, but understood the season would have its ups-and-downs.

"I think we've had a good JLT Series. We've played some good sides in the Western Bulldogs, Adelaide and the Gold Coast," he said.

"I think there's been signs of growth, albeit we haven't put it all together on the one day, but that's the nature of development with a young tam, it comes in bits and pieces.

"We're well and truly on the right track."

Fagan seemed relaxed ahead of his first match and admitted to feeling nervous and excited.

He said the Lions could not get caught up in any spite against their Queensland rivals.

"We want to be hard at the footy, but we want to play within the rules," he said.

"We don't want to get guys rubbed out … you can ill-afford that."