The Brisbane Lions have finalised their coaching panel for 2013 following the appointment of former North Melbourne utility Leigh Harding as Development Coach.

Harding played 141 games and kicked 157 goals in 10 seasons with Kangaroos,
and coincidentally made his senior AFL debut against the Lions back in Round 17 of 2001 at Etihad Stadium.

After announcing his retirement as a player at the end of 2010, Harding was given an opportunity to pursue his coaching interests with VFL side Werribee.

He has since performed the role of playing Assistant Coach at Werribee – working under Senior Coaches Paul Slattery (2011) and Scott West (2012) – and is highly regarded for his ability to nurture and develop younger players.

Lions General Manager of Football Operations, Dean Warren, believes Harding has the necessary attributes to perform a valuable role with the Club.

“Leigh has only recently retired as a player, which means he understands the intricacies of the modern game and can relate to the challenges facing our current playing group,” Warren said.

“He’s learned directly from some quality AFL Senior Coaches in Denis Pagan, Dean Laidley and Brad Scott, and is now determined to forge his own path.”

“Leigh will take the reins of the Lions Reserves side, and will work closely with Gary O’Donnell in developing our younger players.” 

Harding effectively replaces the position left vacant by Development and Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke, who departed the Club last month to pursue other business interests.