Back in the game? Carlton, Collingwood in pursuit of Leppitsch

Carlton have made a play for former Brisbane coach Justin Leppitsch to become senior assistant coach to the under-fire David Teague. Separately, the Blues have approached Leppitsch to replace Chris Judd on their board.

The Age can reveal that Leppitsch, who is enjoying a year away from football after leaving Richmond at the end of last season, has been sounded out about both roles.

A club source said football boss Brad Lloyd caught up with Leppitsch to discuss a role under Teague for next season. At that meeting, Leppitsch told Lloyd that he had already been approached about taking over from Judd as football director on the board.

Carlton have approached former Richmond assistant coach Justin Leppitsch, right, on separate occasions. Credit:Justin McManus

The approach, confirmed by a well-placed Carlton source, followsreports that Collingwood have also expressed interest in Leppitsch. The Magpies privately deny it and say the club is yet to speak to anyone about 2022 – outside of their own staff.

When asked by The Age, Leppitsch said all discussions with clubs midway through a season should remain private.

“I’m open to talking to many clubs about many things … but I won’t be making a decision until the end of the year,” Leppitsch said. “It’s only fair that those conversations remain in confidence, so I’m neither confirming nor denying that.”

After being sacked by the Brisbane Lions in 2016, Leppitsch was snapped up by Damien Hardwick as an assistant coach. Leppitsch is said to have played a major role in Richmond winning three premierships in four seasons.

However, he’s enjoying his year away from football.

“I’m not even convinced I’m coming back to footy yet,” he said. “If I do, I think I’ve been on-record as saying I’m not that keen to be a role that’s only assistant coach.”

Carlton’s pursuit of Leppitsch comes as senior club figures have raised concerns around the team’s coaching panel heading into 2022.

The same concerns were voiced at the end of last season, but the club opted to remain with the same assistants for another season at the request of Teague.

Dale Amos (defence), Cameron Bruce (forwards) and Brent Stanton (midfield) are Carlton’s line coaches. John Barker – who was interim coach when Carlton sacked Mick Malthouse in 2015 – is a long-time assistant at the Blues and is currently stoppages coach.

Former Brisbane champion Luke Power is said to be impressing as development boss.

It’s not the first time in recent seasons that Carlton have sought a senior coaching figure to support Teague.

At the end of 2018, the club had all but secured the services of then Collingwood assistant Justin Longmuir, a long-time friend of Teague’s.

But that plan was railroaded when Longmuir was appointed as Ross Lyon’s successor at Fremantle.

Collingwood, meanwhile, are also on the lookout for a new crop of assistant coaches and Longmuir has been at the top of Graham Wright’s wish-list.

Both the club and coach Nathan Buckley are yet to publicly commit to the 2022 season, but club sources have told The Age a contract extension is likely to be offered.

The club has already endured major upheaval this year. Wright has taken over from Geoff Walsh as football boss, Ned Guy has resigned as list manager and new president Mark Korda may soon have to deal with an early challenge from former Nine boss Jeff Browne.

Meanwhile, Blues midfielder David Cuningham has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Carlton in a statement on Monday night said scans confirmed the injury that the 24-year-old suffered in the opening minutes of Sunday’s match against Melbourne.

Cuningham will now undergo surgery.

David Cuningham was injured when he landed during a marking contest. Credit:Getty Images

“David worked extremely hard to earn his place back in the 22 this season and was really
putting together some solid football in recent weeks,” Carlton head of football Brad Lloyd.

“This news is always tough to hear but we know what David brings to this football club and we will support him fully throughout his recovery.

“We have no doubt he will now translate that work ethic into his rehab and ensure he is
back out in the navy blue next season.”

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