Former Port Adelaide assistant Luke Kelly signs as new Leopold coach

Leopold has landed a big name with 13 years of AFL experience to replace dual premiership coach Garry Hocking.

GFNL Grand Finals. Seniors. South Barwon v Leopold. Leopold Captain Marcus Thompson celebrates with the Coach Garry Hocking and the priemership trophy. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Leopold has announced its new coach with former Port Adelaide assistant Luke Kelly signing with the club for two seasons.

He replaces dual premiership coach Garry Hocking, who finished his tenure with a flag on the Kardinia Park turf he had graced as a player with Geelong.

Kelly was advised in late September that he would not be offered a new contract at the Power but football boss Chris Davies said he worked “tirelessly for our club” during his time there.

He heads to Leopold with 13 years of AFL experience under his belt.

Kelly has worked with Port Adelaide’s thriving midfield over the past three seasons, having previously been at GWS for five seasons as a performance analyst, defensive coordinator, VFL coach and assistant coach.

He also worked with the Western Bulldogs where he was part of its drough-breaking premiership as a perfomance analyst from 2012-16.

“We are pleased to announce that Luke Kelly has been appointed senior coach of the Leopold Football Netball Club for the next two seasons,” Leopold Football Netball Club said in a statement on social media.

“Luke is currently relocating from Adelaide to Geelong. We welcome Luke, Erin & Harry to our club and look forward to the future.”

Leopold has a recent history of drawing on Port Adelaide connections.

Hocking was recruited to the club after correspondence from former Lions coach Aaron Greaves, who worked alongside Hocking at Port Adelaide.

Hocking spent seven years with Port Adelaide and was interim AFL coach for four matches at the Power in 2012.

Originally published as Former Port Adelaide assistant Luke Kelly signs as new Leopold coach