Flag-winning assistant coach Justin Lepptisch has been linked with a cross-town move.
Less than a week after helping the Pies to flag No.16, Collingwood assistant coach Justin Leppitsch is attracting interest from rivals, with the Western Bulldogs reportedly ready to replace him with a bid.
Since ending his illustrious playing career, Leppitsch has held coaching positions at various AFL clubs, including serving as senior coach of his beloved Brisbane Lions from 2013-2016.
Before and after his only senior role, the three-time All Australian led the flags at Richmond and Collingwood, the latter alongside close friend and former teammate, Pies head coach Craig McRae. And while the 48-year-old is undoubtedly still basking in the manager’s glare, the Dogs are keen to lure Leppitsch to Westgate, according to reports from SEN’s Tom Morris.
On Saturday morning on X (formerly Twitter), Morris linked Leppitsch with a controversial move to the kennel, claiming the Bulldogs are “backing Leppitsch to play a leading role in Luke Beveridge’s set-up”.
Morris’ report comes in the wake of the Dogs’ post-2023 post-season deal, which fell short of September. Since August, the Dogs have confirmed the departures of assistants Rohan Smith, Marc Webb and Travis Varcoe.
At the moment, the Barkly Street club have yet to replace any of the departed trio.
2023 was the first season since 2018 that Beveridge’s side were not in a September game and the third since the Bulldogs snapped a 62-year drought in 2016.
