With Justin Leppitsch expected to be sacked as Brisbane Lions coach at the end of the season, focus now turns to who should succeed him in the hot seat at the Gabba from next year onwards.
The Lions announced in the wake of last week’s embarrassing 138-point loss to the Adelaide Crows at the Oval that an entire review of the club’s operations will take place, with Leppitsch expected to be the major victim of it.
His inevitable dismissal will also cost the club a payout, his contract having been extended to the end of the 2017 season in March.
The club has won just 13 of 63 games since the triple-premiership defender took over as coach prior to the start of the 2014 season, and also had to contend with the departure of many young and experienced players who would either find their feet at other clubs or enjoy their footballing retirement.
That came after another favourite son, Michael Voss, was sacked as coach close to the end of the 2013 season despite the club showing signs of improvement in what was his fifth year in the top job.
It’s also expected that the services of more personnel will no longer be required. Already, club legend and 2002 Brownlow Medallist Simon Black has left the Gabba in order to focus on his growing Academy program in Brisbane.
A logical replacement for Leppitsch would be former Carlton coach and current Hawthorn assistant coach Brett Ratten.
Like outgoing Melbourne coach Paul Roos, who started his coaching career at the Swans in a caretaker capacity in mid-2002, Ratten was suddenly thrust into the hot seat after Denis Pagan was sacked as Carlton coach in 2007.
Despite four straight losses, Ratten did enough to be installed on a full-time basis and would lead the Blues out of the doldrums until he was moved on at the end of the 2012 season.
In his five-and-a-half years at Princes Park, he instilled some competitiveness and a hard edge into a side that was emerging from a dark period when salary cap breaches and the subsequent loss of valuable draft picks impeded their efforts to rebuild its ageing playing list in the short term.
His plan to rebuild the Blues was helped by the arrival of Chris Judd, whom many saw as the best player in the AFL at the time. It was hoped that the Blues would be able to build their next premiership team around him and a stack of others such as Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy and Eddie Betts.
After enjoying its best season for a decade in 2011, the Blues entered season 2012 as one of the early premiership favourites, and appeared to live up to expectations when they started that year with five wins and one loss.
But the wheels would fall off as the season wore on, with injuries to key players and a five-week suspension to Judd (during which the Blues lost just one match) seeing the club crash to a 10th-place finish at season’s end.
Eventually, after weeks of media speculation, Ratten was dismissed in favour of former Collingwood mentor Mick Malthouse but it would not deter Hawthorn from snapping him up as an assistant coach.
Many saw the sacking as a knee-jerk reaction to simply one poor season, which followed three years of finals. But the matter of the truth is that the Blues underperformed in a season when a top-four finish was expected of them.
Ratten has since played a role in each of the Hawks’ last three premiership victories, and as of today is one of the best assistant coaches who could make a potential return to AFL coaching sooner rather than later.
By contrast, the Blues would sink back down to the lower part of the ladder under Malthouse, and after his own subsequent sacking, John Barker. As a result, the club finds itself undergoing yet another long-term rebuild under Brendon Bolton.
Thus, in hindsight, it was wrong for the club at the time to have sacked Ratten, considering how far they have fallen since, and the rebuilding task it faces today.
If he had remained, imagine the success the Blues could have enjoyed in contrast to the downfall it eventually suffered in the subsequent years.
Nevertheless, the lessons he learnt at both Carlton and Hawthorn should steel him well for a second senior coaching stint should the Brisbane Lions come calling for his services at season’s end.
Despite the nature in which he was sacked, the Blues have strongly endorsed him, as have North Melbourne champion Wayne Carey and Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson.
“If they (the Lions) were to look at another coach … Brett Ratten is the best coach in waiting, given he has already been in charge of a senior team,” Carey said on Triple M recently.
“He didn’t have a bad record at the Blues (60 wins and one draw from 120 matches in charge), and didn’t have a lot of players to work with there.
“And now he has done the apprenticeship under Alastair Clarkson and we’ve seen what coaches that have been under him for a little while have done, and (Luke) Beveridge is one at the Bulldogs (who has excelled).
“I think he is the standout candidate.”
Though Ratten has coached at the top level before, he would become the latest in a long line of coaches to have learnt their trade under Clarkson, including Adam Simpson (West Coast Eagles), Leon Cameron (GWS Giants), Damien Hardwick (Richmond) and Beveridge (Western Bulldogs).
All (or in the case of Cameron, will) have taken their sides to at least one finals series.
At the Lions, Ratten would be famously reunited with current CEO Greg Swann, the same man who gave him his marching orders from Princes Park four years ago.
But any past animosity between the pair is set to be buried with Ratten seen as the best man to lift the club out of the doldrums.
The Lions have contested just one finals series since losing the 2004 Grand Final to Port Adelaide and have endured a shocking season on and off the field this year, logging just two victories.
Had it not been for the season-long suspensions handed out to the many past and present Essendon players in January, it’s a fair bet to say the Lions would be last on the ladder and in prime position to win its first wooden spoon since 1998.
It follows on from a seven-win season in 2014 to just four last year.
If Ratten does accept the Brisbane Lions coaching role, he will face a massive task in trying to instill the same hard edge into the young and success-starved playing list like he did at Carlton all those years ago.
Similar to the situation he faced at the Blues nine years ago, Ratten would also enter a club low on confidence and desperate for some short of success.
But any potential discussions that take place between the two parties will have to wait until after the Hawks’ finals campaign concludes, possibly with a fourth consecutive premiership.
A new rule was established in recent years prohibiting clubs from inquiring about assistant coaches at other clubs during September, so as to not disturb their finals campaign.
It came after Mark Neeld left Collingwood midway through their finals campaign in 2011 after being announced as Melbourne’s new coach, and we all know how catastrophic that was.
Neeld was sacked halfway through his three-year contract after returning just five wins from 33 matches, and was replaced by Paul Roos, who is just about to complete his resurrection mission at the Dees with their best season in a decade.
If that, and the magic Brett Ratten weaved at Princes Park for a return of some on-field stability but only modest success at best, is anything to go by, then he is the perfect man to resurrect the Brisbane Lions and drag them out of the doldrums.
But whether he will be up for the challenge will not only remain to be seen, it will also depend on whether his family, which was decimated by the death of Cooper Ratten nearly twelve months ago to the day, would be willing to relocate north.
If he accepts it, well, good luck to him because he’ll need it.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I wouldn't think Ratten should be 1st port of call........... I personally would like to see a Bomber Thompson / strong senior assistance combo as per Roosy / Horse, Sheeds / Cameron, then Roosy / Goodwin type arrangement. Or pull a rabbit out of the hat job with maybe a Clarko (especially if Hawks win 4 on the trot, what else more has he got to achieve at the hawks, new challenge may appeal) or Chris Scott.
Ian
Guest
The two biggest downfalls for Leppa would be the development of the players he's kept on the list and his lack of a clear game plan/style. Guys like Bewick, Mayes, Harwood, Green, Taylor, Rich, Hanley, Robertson, Paparone and Gardiner haven't really developed despite 3 years under Leppa. The other issue is no clear game plan that has been developed. At times they seem to want to play a daring, attacking style through the middle of the ground (without recruiting any quick, skilful players to play this way), or they just mark and kick down the lines. Three years is more than enough to show you can develop players on your list and also to develop a distinctive game style and brand of footy
Tony
Guest
I do not agree with you about Ratten. You mention and state the facts that in a year Carlton was expected to finish top 4 they failed under Ratten but you give him an excuse because of injuries However, Leppitsch has basically an under 19s squad and key injuries to 6 players but you give him no mercy The proof of what Ratten did with a mature team expected to make top 4 when he got some injuries to a few key players is there as fact. How can you say he is the answer with a team that leppitsch has now!? I think we need to look at the facts and take chill pill: 1. The Lions lost there best young players when Leppa took over 2. He has had to clean the club out of most of the mature players 3. He has a team of basically boys playing against men 4. Has no mature keys that a ready or good enough yet 5. Has had injuries to his best players consistently over his time eg. Dayne Beams, Rockliff 6. Has no adequate facilities 7. Has less money for getting the right assistants and other resources Etc How about torching Mr Lyon over there in the West or Hardwick or Hinkley or Buckley ! I say I don't know if Leppa can coach yet as he has not had a team to coach And who cares what Carey says?! He will,say anything at the moment to try and show he exists in the media! Why not quote Dermott Brereton .... Brisbane are boys playing men in a brutal sport and that means floggings 8.
Tony Stamkoski
Guest
Lets face it no one has any idea whos going to coach the Lions..there is no outstanding candidate...unless there is some sort of player revolt Leppa should see out his contract.. Injuries can stop a train..i feel for the poor bugga..Can anyone tell me what he s done wrong..?..You cant move mountains over night...We as a club and Leppa need AFL assistance.. Simple as that.
TomC
Roar Guru
Neeld coached in the Bellarine league for a while. I agree with you as a principle that its good to have some experience somewhere as a head coach, but I don't think it's a make or break. John Longmire and Leon Cameron seem to be doing fine without it.
The Original Buzz
Guest
It would appear that Swann has done just as good a job as he did at Carlton. He took them further down the tube. They should do what Carlton did and get some professional assistance from outside the sport. It certainly worked for the Blues. Leppa is floundering at the moment and has not a lot left in his bag of tricks, that is obvious from his pressers. I think he is facing the chop and I think it is premature. Some good management above him and some good players on the field would be a huge help.
Gecko
Guest
Recent underperformance of Buckley, Leppa, Neeld etc has shown that having 'assistant coach' experience isn't enough. You need experience as a head coach, even if only at a lower level. That's what's enabled Hinkley, Beveridge and Alan Richardson to make an impact so quickly. Dew and Montgomery have only ever been assistant coaches haven't they? I'd see Harvey, Sumich, Ratten or Roos as decent candidates.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I've wondered whether Monty leaving the dogs on the eve of the finals was due to the allure of a senior position coming up.
TomC
Roar Guru
In my opinion, Leppitsch's media performances have been one of his few saving graces. He's a charismatic, interesting guy. He's finding it harder to stay on message late in this season, and as a result he's getting his words twisted quite a bit, but I think that would be the case for anyone in his position.
TomC
Roar Guru
Great comment, Leighton. The senior coach is a very significant role, but it's also the public face of a coaching team and an entire organisational structure. It's at least as important for Brisbane to build that coaching team and organisational structure than it is to get the right man at the top.
Patrick
Guest
I think your memory has let you down there mate, Ratten was considered one of the best media performers in the AFL whilst at the Blues. Journos regularly said he was one of the most accessible and enjoyable people to interview so he's well and truly got Leppa covered there. Not sure Bomber would really be that interested in such a big re-build at this stage of his life. It will take five years to get the Lions really going again, we're not talking about a 2-3 year turnaround. It's a big commitment.
Birdman
Guest
Sumich has unfortunately shown a strong aversion to moving states. Probably doesn't enjoy being outside his comfort zone but I agree he must have a clue about the caper with his deep experience.
Ian Montgomery
Roar Pro
Absolutely agree that identifying what the club needs and then marching that to the best candidate is the way to go, trouble is that would involve the board having some kind of idea what they are doing! External input is a must in identifying what the club needs and being involved in the shortlisting and decision making to appoint a new coach. I would think Sumich would be a good candidate though, has coached his own team in the WAFL, worked under Worsfold and Lyon and has been at both Fremantle and West Coast during grand final and premierships as well as when they were near the bottom
Paul D
Roar Guru
The club board and the powerpoint presentation was apparently what happened last time. Leppa must have had the best damn powerpoint presentation going around because after witnessing the last 3 years I am frankly baffled how he was considered a better candidate than the rest of the field. Understand though Leighton, this isn’t Carlton doing a rebuild, this is Brisbane. Carlton got no assistance from the AFL because as Andy Demetriou said, they were big and mean enough to look after themselves. The model for the Lions rebirth is going to be what has happened at the Demons, and to that end I see AFL House as being heavily involved in the process. They will assist with finding candidates, interviewing candidates (not just for the senior role but for the 2-3 assistant roles that will be turned over as well), and ensure that their money is being well spent. Just take a deep breath and relax. The Lions are well and truly at rock bottom right now and have nothing to gain and no appearances to keep up by making a hasty decision. They will take the time to get this as right as they can, but I agree that they cannot wait until February. They will want the new coach in place before pre-season, and I daresay they will want him in place before trade week commences on October 7th. The Lions have a LOT of free salary cap space and will want to chase at least 1, maybe 2 names in the off-season to provide some leadership, accountability and culture within the club and whoever they get will form a key part of the new coach’s plans to put his stamp on the side.
Leighton
Guest
If he is a dead man walking, then they should sack him now and appoint an acting head coach for the rest of the season. If the club is uncertain then they need to take the time to work out why. The process is one of learning and establishing the need of the club first, so they can go to market with clarity and a unified direction. They dont seem to have this now, so how can they possibly make a good decision about such a crucial appointment? Good practice would see the board forming a credentialed committee with some outsiders to make a recommendation. Terrible practice would be a club board (a bunch of volunteers with dubious credentials) coming up with a shortlist, having them attend for a 'powerpoint presentation' and then making the choice. Fork in the road time Brisbane. Forget names, forget shortlists. Work out what you want and need first.
steve
Guest
Sorry mate, but with Leppa a dead man walking, the Lions cant wait until February to appoint a new coach. That would be suicide for another season before it even begins. What would be another blunder from the Lions board is not already having a shortlist of candidates to take over almost immediately.
Leighton
Guest
Its the penny dropping moment that Carlton had last year. When I saw that they convened a panel to select the head coach that had a number of outside the club people, but with a useful perspective it showed that they were turning words into actions. This from a club that had turned stuffing up into a well practiced art form over years. Gosh we were good at mistakes! Brisbane should not be rushed here. If it is not until February that they appoint a head coach, so be it. It is the process here that will shape how this works out. Rushing to appoint someone, anyone so they can keep up appearances will be another blunder. The lack of clarity from the President and vice president is indicative of a club that has no unified direction, so it falls to the hapless head coach to defend himself after each loss.
Paul D
Roar Guru
"But Brisbane don’t need to be talking about who they want as coach. They have to work out as a club WHAT they need from a head coach – the skills and attributes needed that align with where they are at as a club and the people there now or they want to procure. When they have got their act together, then they can go to market clear in what they want so they can ask the right questions of any candidates." Great stuff. I don't think we're doing that right now. I still think we're looking for a name and a reputation. Be interesting to see who is involved in the interview process. And the Lions need to come out and explain exactly WHY they have hired whoever they hire once this is all wrapped up, fans deserve to know the plan. The club has had far too much of a fuhrerbunker mentality this year. Some idea of what the direction is would be nice.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Yeah, I’ve stumped for Bomber Thompson repeatedly, based on what he achieved at Essendon and his media presence, the Lions need someone who can engage with the media, give good soundbites and talk up the club. One of Leppa’s main failings as a coach is his dreadful media persona, he comes across as an absolute meathead in front of the camera and rarely has anything memorable to say. Will be interesting to see if Ratten can get any cut-through in the Brisbane media, I always remember him being pretty beige in front of the cameras, but that was a while ago now. Maybe he’s less taciturn and better able to communicate, but I’m not holding my breath. I think Ratten would be a better coach than Leppa, which isn’t saying much, but beyond that I can’t say with any confidence he’s the man who’ll lead us for 5-6 years and back into top 4 contention.
The Original Buzz
Guest
Although he has no experience in a senior role, Brett Montgomery from the Bulldogs could be worth a look. They can start talking to him now as he has been released from there. As you say Paul, they really need the right person in there, someone who can relate to the players, board and fans alike. Personally I don't think Ratts is that person at this point in time.