Flag-winning assistant coach Justin Lepptisch has been linked with a cross-town move.
Less than a week after playing his role in helping the Pies claim the club’s 16th flag, Collingwood assistant coach Justin Leppitsch is in the sights of rivals, with the Western Bulldogs reportedly keen to make the deputy an offer.
Since hanging up the boots on what was a stellar playing career, Leppitsch has held coaching posts at several AFL clubs, including acting as his beloved Brisbane Lions’ senior coach between 2013 and 2016.
Prior and post his sole senior role, the three-time All-Australian has also led flag-winning lines at both Richmond and Collingwood, the latter alongside close friend and former teammate, Pies head coach Craig McRae.
The @westernbulldogs are chasing Justin Leppitsch to fill a senior role in Luke Beveridge’s coaching setup.
Leppitsch has been at @CollingwoodFC for two years as head of strategy. He has a big decision to make. @1116sen @traderadio
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) October 6, 2023
And though the 48-year-old is no doubt still basking in the premiership glow, the Dogs are said to be keen on luring Leppitsch across the Westgate, according to reports from SEN’s Tom Morris.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday morning, Morris linked Leppitsch with a mooted move to the Kennel, claiming that the Bulldogs “are chasing Leppitsch to fill a senior role in Luke Beveridge’s setup.”
Morris’ report comes in the wake of the Dogs clearing house following a 2023 season that fell short of September.
Since August, the Dogs have confirmed the departures of assistants Rohan Smith, Marc Webb and Travis Varcoe.
At present, the Barkly Street club is yet to replace any member of the departed trio.
2023 represented the first season since 2018 that Beveridge’s side had not featured in the September action, and the third since the Bulldogs broke a 62-year premiership drought in 2016.
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