Wayne Carey says Brett Ratten the ‘standout’ candidate to replace Justin Leppitsch

BRETT Ratten is the “standout” candidate to replace Justin Leppitsch as Brisbane’s senior coach next season, according to Wayne Carey.

Brett Ratten shakes hands with Adam Simpson. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

BRETT Ratten is the “standout” candidate to replace Justin Leppitsch as Brisbane’s senior coach next season, according to North Melbourne champion Wayne Carey.

Leppitsch is under huge pressure to maintain his position with Lions chairman Bob Sharpless confirming the club will review his position at season’s end.

The Lions were belted by 138 points by Adelaide on Saturday night, continuing their shocking season.

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Carey said if the Lions make a change, Hawthorn senior assistant coach Ratten was “the best man for that job” and deserved the second chance at senior coaching.

Carey said Ratten’s tenure as Carlton coach between 2007 – 2012 and more recently his four years at Hawthorn serving Alastair Clarkson had primed him for the Lions’ gig.

“If they were to look at another coach …. Brett Ratten is the best coach in waiting, given he has already been in charge of a senior team,” Carey said on Triple M.

Hawthorn assistant coach Brett Ratten. Picture: David Crosling

Brisbane senior coach Justin Leppitsch.

“He didn’t have a bad record at the Blues, and didn’t have a lot of players to work with there.

“And now he has done the apprenticeship under Alastair Clarkson and we’ve seen what coaches that have been under him for a little while have done, and (Luke) Beveridge is one at the Bulldogs (who has excelled).

“I think he is the standout candidate.”

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Brisbane chief executive Greg Swann was in charge at Carlton when Ratten resigned from the Blues at the end of 2012.

But Carey said he doubted whether that would influence Brisbane’s decision on Ratten.

“I don’t think so, too much water has gone under the bridge,” he said.

Carlton has strongly endorsed Ratten’s coaching credentials.

Leppitsch has coached 13 wins in 62 games as Brisbane coach.