The Brisbane Lions would like to wish farewell to popular staff members Peter Blanch, Dale Tapping and Josh Hunt and thank them for their contributions to the Club.
Lions General Manager of Football Danny Daly said all three had made a significant impact on the Club and would always be considered part of the Brisbane Lions family.
“We are thankful that Peter, Dale and Josh spent time at our Club, all three can say they leave the Lions in a much better place than it was when they arrived here and we wish them and their families all the best,’’ he said.
Blanch has retired after a lifetime in sports medicine with the last five years as the Lions Head of Medical.
Daly said in addition to Blanch’s expertise, he had been a strong contributor to the Club’s culture.
“Peter is a very popular member of staff and has been an enormous part of our journey and his contribution was significant in our rise from cellar dwellers to top four mainstays over the past three years,’’ he said.
“It is no secret that since his arrival at the Lions we have had one of the best, if not the best medical-injury records in the AFL.
“This is a testament to Peter’s standing in the AFL world.’’
Blanch is returning to the Victorian High Country to spend more time with his family.
Tapping is also returning to Victoria after five years at the Lions.
He joined the Club from Collingwood and made an immediate impact with his football nous and ability to help develop young players.
Daly said in his time Tapping had been instrumental in the development of not just the playing list but also the coaching department.
“His energy and enthusiasm around the Club has made him a popular person amongst our staff and players,’’ he said.
“And his coaching work has seen some of our brightest young midfielders and our mature midfielders grow into one of the best midfield combinations in the competition.
“His ability to create strong relationships with the playing group has also been an enormous strength on his coaching journey at the club.’’
After a lifetime in football Hyundai Help for Kids Academy head coach Josh Hunt is saying farewell to the game to take up an exciting new role in Real Estate.
In his time at the Lions Hunt has worked in our Academy program and also provided support to our NEAFL /VFL program as well as being a very popular member of our football department staff.
“Josh has been a pivotal part of our Academy Program and instrumental in developing our Academy Boys and has had numerous players drafted not only to Brisbane but to other AFL Clubs,’’ Daly said.
“Now he is embarking on a new journey as a Real Estate Agent on the Gold Coast, which I have no doubt he will excel in.’’
