Lions’ troubles mount
Finding new coach far from only task facing club in the doldrums
AFTER tossing a second club legend on the scrap heap, the Brisbane Lions stand at the most critical juncture of the merged club’s 19-year history.
Who replaces coach Justin Leppitsch — and what support his replacement is given as part of a new-look football department — are two decisions the Lions simply cannot afford to get wrong.
Leppitsch, a three-time premiership player, was sacked as coach yesterday after guiding Brisbane to just 14 wins in three full seasons in the job.
Chairman Bob Sharpless said diminishing results left the board with little alternative, but external forces are the reason why the Lions need to act with urgency and certainty.
Crowds at Lions games are at a record low average of 17,074. In the competitive South East Queensland sport- ing market, dominated by rugby league, the Lions are struggling.
Financially, too, the club is in trouble, with mounting debts — which won’t be helped by a one-year contract payout to Leppitsch — and a continued dependence on the AFL for funding.
And with the competition’s youngest list and worst facilities, there is no silver bullet.
Club chief executive Greg Swann conceded the margin for error is non-existent. “It’s very important,” Swann said of making the right decisions. “I can’t say any more than that — we’ve got to get it right.”
The Lions board has begun formalising the process to replace Leppitsch and will soon draw up a shortlist of names and start interviews.
Swann said the Lions would go after the best person available, regardless of experience or allegiance.
Leppitsch’s predecessor Mi- chael Voss was also a Lions icon and Swann didn’t rule out going after another old favourite.
But whoever comes in won’t be the only new face, with assistants Simon Black, Gary O’Donnell and Shane Woewodin already leaving and Swann on the hunt for an experienced football manager to work alongside the new coach.
He reportedly met with Neil Balme, whose future at Collingwood is in doubt, last week.