At the end of 2009, Justin Leppitsch identified a need for change.

Leppitsch had just completed his third season as an Assistant Coach at the Brisbane Lions – his 17th consecutive year at the Club – which had been enough to fuel his desire to pursue a coaching career.

So in order to broaden his football education, he sought opportunities outside the familiar surrounds of the Gabba, and subsequently landed at Richmond.

Leppitsch was appointed to an assistant coaching role at the Tigers under Damien Hardwick, and quickly found his feet at Punt Rd.

For four years he worked in the AFL heartland at one of the competition’s biggest clubs, and together with his fellow coaching staff, helped guide Richmond into the Finals for the first time in 12 years.

Although the three-time premiership player’s heart probably always belonged to the Lions, he believes his time spent at Richmond helped prepare him to become a Senior Coach.

Leppitsch credited Hardwick in particular as a major influence in his own professional development.

“(Hardwick taught me) a little bit of patience,” Leppitsch revealed on Wednesday.

“Richmond were in a pretty ordinary place four years ago, and are in a very good spot now. Most importantly, I think I got a really good handle on the modern game through Damien.

“He’s a very smart coach, he’s an accountant by trade so is a very analytical guy. We didn’t really understand each other initially, but in the end he taught me a lot of things I didn’t have, which is critically important.”