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Leppitsch's days numbered as Lions announce coaching review

The Lions had no choice but to release Leppitsch. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Expert
7th August, 2016
16

Justin Lepptisch’s coaching career looks to be circling the drain after the Brisbane Lions announced on Sunday morning that they will conduct a review into his position as senior coach at the end of the season.

“The club will stick to the path that it has outlined in recent weeks, which is that Justin is contracted until the end of 2017 and as such, he will coach the remaining three games before being reviewed once the season is over,” said Lions chairman Bob Sharpless.

The news comes after the Lions coughed up their worst loss of the year – no small feat, as they’ve had some bad ones – on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval, losing to the Crows by a whopping 23 goals.

The Lions managed just six goals throughout the entire game. They were -193 in the possession count and -44 in inside 50s, -16 in marks inside 50. A more comprehensive loss you will not find.

In his post-match presser, Leppitsch put the blame on the lack of talent and maturity in his squad, coupled with injuries to senior players.

“It’s boys against men. Half our team shouldn’t be playing…” said Leppitsch.

“We’re wounded as a footy club, there’s no doubt, because we don’t even have replacements to bring in.

“We’ve got young kids just looking for the finish line.

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“Just look at those (player) names individually. Half of that group was playing NEAFL a few weeks ago.”

However Lions fans have understandably grown tired of those excuses and it appears now the club is beginning to follow suit.

While the Lions list is young and inexperienced, that can’t be considered a no-expiry-date get-out-of-jail-free card by the coach.

Even a young and inexperienced team can still show effort, passion, and hard work, some things that have been sorely missing from all but a few members of the Lions’ list all season long.

Leppitsch has failed to instill these qualities in his young charges, and it now appears likely that, come the end of the season, his head will roll as a result.

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