Cairns City Lions coach Aaron Davey has announced that he will step down at the end of the 2025 season, bringing to a close the most successful coaching tenure in the club's history.
Davey's eight-year reign has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Indigenous former AFL star took over in 2018, inheriting a club that was battling on and off the field.
At the time, the Lions did not have a reserves side and regularly struggled to field a full senior team.
In one low point before his arrival, the Lions suffered a 290-point loss to the South Cairns Cutters.
But under Davey's guidance, Cairns City quickly turned into a powerhouse of the AFL Cairns competition.
In just his fourth season at the helm, he led the club to its first premiership in 28 years with a memorable grand final win over Cairns Saints.
The following year, they went back-to-back with a dominant 95-point demolition of Port Douglas.
Davey's influence has seen many highly credentialed former AFL players pull on a Lions jumper over the years, including Steven Motlop, Marlon Motlop, Eddie Sansbury, Jake Long, Ashton Hams and Aaron's younger brother Alwyn.
Reflecting on his time with the Lions, Davey expressed his gratitude in a post on social media.
"As I officially have closed this chapter of my eight-season coaching journey, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of the Lions family," he said.
"It has been an incredible honour to lead this club, and I leave with memories that will stay with me and my family forever.
"To all my players, assistant coaches and captains over the journey – I thank you for your dedication, love, resilience loyalty & trust – you've made every training session, match, challenge & memories worthwhile.
"Watching you players grow as special footballers and more importantly special people has been one of the greatest rewards that I will forever be grateful for.
"Though I may be stepping away from the coaching role, I'm looking forward with my continue support throughout the remainder off the season, next season and beyond watching my son's play for City Lions carry on my legacy with pride."
Earlier this year, Davey's eldest son Marley made his senior AFL debut for the Lions, while his twin sons, Archie and Isaac, are emerging through the junior ranks.
AFL Cairns General Manager Craig Lees praised Davey's impact across the broader football community in North Queensland.
"Aaron Davey's contribution to the Cairns City Lions and the broader game in North Queensland has been exceptional," Lees said.
"Across eight seasons, he guided the club to two senior premierships, helped develop a strong connection between the junior and senior programs, and played a key role in the growth of nine juniors into premiership players.
"His influence extended beyond the club, coaching in North Queensland rep programs and helping shape the future of our game.
"Flash leaves a legacy built on connection, development, and sustained success."
