A total of 48 coaches have previously sat at the helm during a senior match since ex-player Geoff Moriarty became Fitzroy’s first official coach back in 1911.
However of the 48 former coaches, only 34 have been appointed to permanent positions, with the other 14 assuming caretaker roles.
Leigh Matthews remains the longest-serving coach in Club history, having coached 237 matches – including three premierships – in a decade with the Lions from 1999-2008.
Coincidentally, Matthews is part of the Club’s current coaching selection panel and will have a considerable say in who is ultimately appointed to the position for 2014 and beyond.
Robert Walls’ combined 224 games coached with Fitzroy (1981-85) and the Bears (1991-95) rank him second, while Bill Stephen is third with 214 games from three separate stints with Fitzroy.
Outgoing coach Michael Voss is the only other person to have coached the Club in 100 games or more.
Since the merged Club officially formed in 1997, three coaches have filled short-term positions.
Mark Harvey is the Club’s most recent caretaker coach, guiding the team in their final three games of 2013 following Voss’ departure, while Bears great Roger Merrett stepped in midway through 1998 when John Northey was moved-on.
John Blakely also performed the role of Lions Senior Coach in Round 18 of 2005, when Leigh Matthews took a one-match leave of absence following his mother’s passing.
Blakely is one of seven individuals who have coached just the one game for the Club.
It’s little wonder why the Lions are currently undertaking such an extensive process to find their next Senior Coach, with the Club hopeful that the incumbent can deliver success over a long period of time.
View the complete list of the Club’s coaches throughout history
LONGEST SERVING LIONS COACHES
1. Leigh Matthews (Lions) – 237 games*
2. Robert Walls (Fitzroy/Bears) – 224 games
3. Bill Stephen (Fitzroy) – 214 games
4. Michael Voss (Lions) – 109 games
5. Fred Hughson (Fitzroy) – 96 games*
6. Vic Belcher (Fitzroy) – 93 games*
7. Len Smith (Fitzroy) – 92 games
8. Percy Parratt (Fitzroy) – 91 games*
9. Robert Shaw (Fitzroy) – 86 games
10. Graham Donaldson (Fitzroy) – 85 games
*Premiership Coach
