A FURIOUS Justin Leppitsch has taken aim at his Brisbane Lions team after Saturday night's thumping loss to Gold Coast, questioning their desire, work-rate and willingness to accept a role.
Leppitsch was ropeable after the 64-point loss, barely able to contain his annoyance at a fifth-straight defeat.
Tough night for Lions in QClash
He said there was very few positives and was particularly critical of the lack of pressure and the Lions’ inability to keep the ball inside forward 50.
It was another dirty night for the Lions, who not only lost the match, but also skipper Tom Rockliff in the opening minutes to concussion after a heavy hit from Gold Coast defender Steven May.
With Rockliff taken to hospital for scans, Leppitsch questioned whether May's attack was on the ball.
The Lions coach then turned his fury towards his own team.
"At the end of the day he's (Rockliff) in hospital getting his face looked at. I can't comment any further than that, that's just the facts," Leppitsch said.
"I wouldn't mind some of our players playing the way Steven May played, to be honest.
"At least he actually cared and did something about their previous performances – our blokes didn't."
Gold Coast won the tackle count 92-62 and contested possessions 159-140 to show the stark difference between the teams.
Leppitsch said more changes would be made ahead of next weekend's match against Carlton.
He said statistics counted for little in his eyes, taking direct aim at his small forwards.
He said Gold Coast's final goal of the game summed things up, where they chased, turned the ball over and Tom Lynch goaled.
"We just can't do that, or won't do that or won't choose to do it, haven't got the energy, can't run, put it in any category you like, but it's not happening," Leppitsch said.
"As a small forward you've got to kick goals, but you've got to get it off the opposition first.
"You can't rely on your 200cm players to turn the ball over in your front half. That's the job of a small. If you don't want to accept it, don't play.
"You'd just like to think you don't have to continually drop players to get them to play their role.
"You just think … play your role."
