1993-1996 (Brisbane Bears) - Player

1997-2006 (Brisbane Lions) - Player

2014-2016 (Brisbane Lions) - Coach

 

227

 

66

 

194

 

Lions Premiership Player - 2001-03

Lions Club Champion - 1999

AFL All-Australian - 1999, 2002-03

Lions Leading Goal-kicker - 1997-98

International Rules Series - 1999-2000

 

Justin Leppitsch’s stunning AFL career didn’t always go as planned.

 

As an 18 year-old, he underwent knee surgery which effectively ravaged his first two seasons with the Bears, before returning to show his wares as a strong-marking, fast-leading, and flamboyant full-forward.

 

But a somewhat reluctant move to defence in 1999 became the making of the Leppitsch legacy.

 

His attacking style of play quickly revolutionised the centre half-back position and became a blueprint for how the role has since developed in the modern game.

 

He maintained his trademark flair, even as a close-checking backman, and would often still be swung forward on occasion as the team required.  

 

Leppitsch’s transformation earned him the 1999 Club Champion award and regular selections among the AFL greats in the All Australia team positioned at centre half-back.

 

But more importantly, the move directly corresponded with the Lions’ emergence as a dominant force in the competition and helped the Club towards three consecutive Premierships from 2001-2003.

 

Even among the array of stars that lit up his era at the Lions, Leppitsch could well have proven the most valuable of them all.