The Brisbane Lions have finalised their coaching staff for 2014 following the appointment of Matthew Francis as a Development Coach.
Francis joins new Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch, Peter Schwab (Head of Coaching and Development), Shane Woewodin (Assistant Coach), Murray Davis (Assistant Coach), Simon Black (Assistant Coach), Gary O’Donnell (Development Manager), Leigh Harding (Development & Reserves Coach), and Mitch Hahn (Development Coach) as part of the Vero coaching group.
Francis joins the Club with an extensive background in football and teaching.
A promising ruckman and key position player, he played a total of 55 senior AFL games across nine seasons with both Richmond (19 games from 1990-95) and Collingwood (36 games from 1996-1998).
He later moved to Queensland and spent four seasons (2008-2011) as the Senior Coach at local AFLQ side Redland, before focussing on a teaching career.
He has since taught science at St Rita’s College in Brisbane.
Francis will perform a key development role while also assisting the Club’s player welfare programs.
Leppitsch said Francis would prove a valuable addition to the Lions’ coaching panel.
“I’ve known Matthew personally for some time and believe he will be a terrific acquisition for our Club.” Leppitsch said.
“Not only has he had previous experience both as a player and coach, but he’s a natural teacher and can really relate well to younger people.
ENDS
