Coach movements: All the latest updates on every AFL team’s assistant departures and arrivals
North Melbourne slashed almost a dozen players from its list only one week ago. Now, the Kangaroos have cleaned out a significant number of assistant coaches as their off-season purge continues.
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The large axe working its way through North Melbourne has seen another six coaches sacked, one week after 11 players were told their time at Arden St was up.
Assistant coaches Jade Rawlings and Jared Moore have been axed, along with development coach Heath Scotland, head of football performance Jason Lappin, ruck coach Will Minson and academy coach Michael Firrito.
News Corp revealed Rawlings’ departure on Thursday.
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Brother and football boss Brady Rawlings said he was “truly sorry” to farewell so many colleagues.
“These are all quality individuals that sacrificed a lot for the club in our Queensland hub,” Rawlings said.
“I’d sincerely like to thank each and every one of these individuals for their hard work and dedication.
“I am truly sorry to see them go, but these decisions have been made in the best interests of the club and its future.”
TIGERS ASSISTANT TO LEAVE AT END OF SEASON
– Rebecca Williams
Justin Leppitsch will step down from his assistant coaching role at Richmond at the end of the season.
After spending eight of the past 11 years as a member of the Richmond coaching panel, Leppitsch informed the club of his decision to depart at the end of the Tigers’ 2020 campaign.
The triple Brisbane premiership player started with Richmond in late 2009 and left at the end of the 2013 season to take the senior coaching job at the Lions.
He returned to Richmond at the start of the 2017 season and has been a part of the team’s two flags in the past three years.
Leppitsch said he had been considering moving on for some time, but the “current climate” had hastened his decision.
But first, he was committed to the Tigers’ premiership tilt this October.
“I have always known that eventually this time would come, and I would move on and do other things in my life,” Leppitsch said.
“In many ways the current climate expedited something I have been thinking about for some time and it will help the club manage through this difficult period.
“I am absolutely committed to Richmond for the remainder of this season and hope we can add to the success we have achieved over the past three seasons.
“I have loved my time at Richmond, and I am proud of what we have been able to achieve as a club in my time here.
“Coaching and watching individuals grow as men and players is an amazing and rewarding experience.
“I would no doubt love to be involved in footy again at some stage in the future, but the time is right to take a break.
“It has been an honour to be a part of two successful eras at two clubs in my 28 years of playing and coaching.
“The lessons I have learnt, in good times and bad, have built who I am today and give me the confidence to hit the next phase of my life with enthusiasm.”
Richmond senior coach Damien Hardwick hailed Leppitsch’s football knowledge and the contribution he had made to the club’s success.
“Leppa would challenge, provoke thinking and innovate. He is a great teacher and has been an important part of our coaching team,” Hardwick said.
“He can be incredibly proud of the contribution he made to our club.”
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