In June 2006 as Justin Leppitsch’s playing career was coming to an end, Michael Voss wrote an article for the Sunday Age on the character of a man who he had shared the triumph of three premierships with.
This is a passage written by Voss on the type of player – and person – that newly appointed Brisbane Lions coach, Justin Leppitsch is:
“His incredible competitiveness encapsulated what made him one of the all-time greats and was the single most powerful image I retain of the now retired 227-game triple premiership player, three-times All-Australian, club champion, Victorian state-of-origin representative, team leader and all-round star.
Leppa is a wonderfully talented athlete who brought his own flair to the game and had a profound influence on the culture of our group and everyone in it. He was a versatile defender who could run with the best of them. He could spoil or stand his ground in a one-on-one contest because, despite his chicken legs, he was actually very strong. And he didn't mind taking the odd fly - only when in front, of course.
He read the play exceptionally well, which allowed him to rebound so effectively. He was loyal, inspirational and balanced, with a good footy brain. And funny. Or so he thought. He's renowned for ridiculous jokes. They're so bad you feel compelled to laugh, but that's been the worst thing we've done because now he thinks they're actually humorous.
But above all else, he is one competitive animal. And whether it is coaching, media or his property development interests in North Queensland that captures his long-term attention, you just know he'll be successful.”
It is a stirring and heartfelt homage by a man who had reached the pinnacle of AFL football with Leppitsch on multiple occasions.
What’s more, Michael Voss was his captain and he respected Leppitsch to the point where he felt compelled to write this tribute on his retirement.
While it's ironic that Voss is the man making way for Leppitsch as he embarks on his first head-coaching role after seven years as an assistant coach, the words that he speaks can be nothing but exciting for Lions fans moving into 2014.
“Profound influence”, “loyal”, “inspirational” and “with a good footy brain” are the connotations used to describe the Victorian-born Leppitsch who played his first game as a 17-year-old in 1993 before suffering a knee-injury which kept him out of the game for 15 months.
With young guns Elliot Yeo, Patrick Karnezis, Sam Docherty, Jared Polec and Billy Longer all expressing interest in returning to their home states, perhaps Leppitsch's first-hand experience of moving interstate and having a delayed start to his career could entice them stay.
There has been talk that not playing regular senior games has made it more difficult for the youngsters to assimilate into the Brisbane lifestyle and this could be the reason for wanting to return home.
Leppitsch played only eight senior games in his first two years at the Brisbane Bears and it is this personal experience of the new coach that will hopefully see him persuade the home-sick youngsters to stick by the Lions in a period of obvious improvement, of which they are an integral part.
The three-time premiership player with the Lions said he was keen to fix the problem of keeping the young stars.
"It's important for the club that we're not in this position again, that we put parameters in place that our players want to stay and want to sign for longer term deals.” Leppitsch said
"One thing I know about the Brisbane landscape is that you need to keep your talent and grow that talent and that's the plan in going forward."
If Michael Voss’ words are anything to go by, the Brisbane Lions and its fans can be assured that Justin Leppitsch will quickly earn the respect of his playing group and help to create a culture around the club that will see the Club continue to improve.
Lachlan Dyson is a regular contributor to lions.com.au. You can follow him on Twitter: @lachlandyson
