Justin Leppitsch
Last updated on November 25, 2024 at 18:09 pm
Posted on June 15, 2024 at 16:34 pm
Justin Leppitsch, hailing from Berwick, Victoria, began his AFL journey with the Brisbane Bears after being drafted in 1992. He shone as a center half back, achieving a Best and Fairest award and playing a pivotal role in Brisbane Lions’ three consecutive premiership victories. Shifting to coaching, Leppitsch faced ups and downs, particularly leading Richmond to an AFL premiership win in 2017. His career winning percentage stands at 22%, reflecting both successes and setbacks. Justin Leppitsch’s journey from player to coach showcases his enduring impact on Australian Rules Football, highlighting a story of dedication and resilience.
Early Life
Raised in Berwick, Victoria, Justin Leppitsch began his journey in the world of Australian Rules Football. He honed his skills playing for the Southern Stingrays in the VSFL Under-18 competition, showcasing his talent early on.
Leppitsch’s dedication led him to be the runner-up for the Morrish Medal in 1992, a proof of his exceptional abilities on the field. Selected by the Brisbane Bears at pick 4 in the 1992 AFL Draft, he made his debut at just 17 years old, marking the beginning of a remarkable playing career.
Throughout his time with the Brisbane Lions, Leppitsch excelled, winning the Best and Fairest award in 1999 and playing a pivotal role in the team’s three premiership victories from 2001 to 2003.
Playing Career
During his playing career, Justin Leppitsch showcased his exceptional skills and talent on the field, earning accolades such as the Best and Fairest award in 1999 and playing a pivotal role in Brisbane Lions’ three premiership victories from 2001 to 2003.
Raised in Berwick, Victoria, Leppitsch began his AFL journey with the Brisbane Bears in 1993 after being selected at pick 4 in the 1992 AFL Draft. Known for his versatility, he played center half back in the Lions’ successful premiership campaigns.
With 227 games under his belt, Leppitsch was inducted into the Brisbane Lions Hall of Fame in 2012. Throughout his career, he maintained impressive averages of 8.3 kicks, 3.9 handballs, and 4.5 marks per game.
Coaching Career
Justin Leppitsch shifted to a coaching career following his successful playing tenure, beginning as an assistant coach at Brisbane Lions before ultimately assuming leadership roles with various AFL clubs.
He started as an assistant coach at the Lions and later at Richmond before taking on the senior coaching position at Brisbane Lions in 2014. Leppitsch coached the Lions for 66 games, securing 14 wins before being sacked in 2016.
He then moved to Collingwood Football Club as an assistant coach in 2021 and later joined the coaching staff at Hawthorn. Throughout his coaching career, Leppitsch has faced media scrutiny, including articles on coaching failures and his role in premiership wins.
His coaching journey has been marked by highs and lows, with notable contributions to successful AFL teams.
Coaching Stats
Throughout his coaching career, Justin Leppitsch’s statistics reflect a career winning percentage of 22%. Leppitsch began his coaching journey as an assistant coach at Brisbane Lions and later Richmond before becoming the senior coach at Brisbane Lions in 2014.
Coaching the Lions for 66 games, he secured 14 wins before being sacked in 2016. Leppitsch then joined Collingwood Football Club as an assistant coach, contributing to the team’s strategies. His coaching expertise was further recognized when he returned to Richmond as an assistant coach, playing a pivotal role in the team’s 2017 AFL premiership win.
Leppitsch’s coaching stats showcase his dedication and contributions to various teams in the AFL.