Rumour Justin Leppitsch and The Players

[Wounded Lion]

i think were reading too much into it, zac was never up to AFL standard he is at an age now where if he was going to make it he would be showing definite signs. sad but thats footy list management, its brutal. i am sure during the lions successful era there were plenty of frank open and honest sessions between coaches and players, and between players, and not all of them were best of mates i am sure. as long as the vast majority of players and staff have respect for leppa everything should be fine.

I do 100% agree with this, he was not up to AFL standard. However, considering our injury list and consistent 30+ touches a week in NEAFL, I believe the scenario did himself a slight disservice, especially when Leppa was deciding who to give the green vest to.

 

[notting18]

I find it interesting that people are comparing what Leppa did or didn't do to a traditional boss, whilst seemingly ignoring to make the same comparison of ZOB telling his boss to get ****ed.

 

[jackess]

I find it interesting that people are comparing what Leppa did or didn't do to a traditional boss, whilst seemingly ignoring to make the same comparison of ZOB telling his boss to get stuffed.

ZoB was in the middle of a match with Leppa was a spectator. ZoB was also tackling people as hard as he can which is something most workplaces wouldn't allow.

 

[Gibbo_88]

I strongly believe in Leppa's ability to change the culture of this club. If player's don't want to buy in, they can f*ck off or even worse, play NEAFL every week. Zac O'Brien is a true testament to this. He crossed the line with two of our coaches and as a result, won our Reserves B&F followed by being delisted, talk about a double whammy to end your time at a struggling club.

This . The culture needed to be changed and whoever did it was always going to have a hard time doing it. Love the club and always will support it but it would be nice to see us get into the top 8 and stay there for at least a few seasons over the next decade.

 

[Viceregal]

the lady with the chicken pic from last page goes in here but is not showing up

Is that what Mel looks like these days? What? Surely that is the welfare manager's job not the head coach's?

 

[lukiuslion]

I find it interesting that people are comparing what Leppa did or didn't do to a traditional boss, whilst seemingly ignoring to make the same comparison of ZOB telling his boss to get stuffed.

If you told a boss in a traditional workplace to get F*****, out of frustration, you would get a written warning.

If a boss physically assaulted an employee in anyway, are visa versa, there would be grounds for instant dismissal and potential legal action - not sure what exactly your'e getting at?, I am pretty sure swear words would be exchanged in most offices, work sites on most days - Physical altercations are a whole different ball game.

I don't think there is one person in the entire industry that would say that a coach physically assaulting a player because its a 'different sort of workplace' is ok. Cellas on AFL 360 (one of the toughest blokes to play the game) said he never saw a physical altercation between a coach and player in his whole time playing and hadn't heard of it happening at any other times, I think Malthouse said the same thing.

Because its a different workplace doesn't make it ok, I just don't see it, a coach shouldn't be doing it.

This isn't even about the event, I moved on from this ages ago - it's not even a big deal, just can't digest the whole argument of it 'being ok and justified' at all.

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

I find it interesting that people are comparing what Leppa did or didn't do to a traditional boss, whilst seemingly ignoring to make the same comparison of ZOB telling his boss to get stuffed.

I thought the story was ZOB told Woey to get stuffed when he was dragged and then Leppa (who was spectating) took umbridge at that and grabbed ZOB. Both acted inappropriately and both admitted as such. Very likely it damaged Leppa's standing amongst some players. Pretty sure it wasn't viewed by anyone in the know as a culture changing event - just an unfortunate incident that neither participant can be proud of. Regardless, it's very likely that if ZOB was a gun he'd have been promoted, not delisted.

 

[Bucking Beads]

If you told a boss in a traditional workplace to get F*****, out of frustration, you would get a written warning.

You'd get your marching orders straight up. No written warnings. Stop living in fantasy land.

 

[Eons]

It was all a simple misunderstanding. Woey said to take the game by the scruff off the neck, ZOB didn't, Leppa showed him what Woey meant.

 

[blynd_freddie]

If you told a boss in a traditional workplace to get F*****, out of frustration, you would get a written warning.

If a boss physically assaulted an employee in anyway, are visa versa, there would be grounds for instant dismissal and potential legal action - not sure what exactly your'e getting at?, I am pretty sure swear words would be exchanged in most offices, work sites on most days - Physical altercations are a whole different ball game.

I don't think there is one person in the entire industry that would say that a coach physically assaulting a player because its a 'different sort of workplace' is ok. Cellas on AFL 360 (one of the toughest blokes to play the game) said he never saw a physical altercation between a coach and player in his whole time playing and hadn't heard of it happening at any other times, I think Malthouse said the same thing.

Because its a different workplace doesn't make it ok, I just don't see it, a coach shouldn't be doing it.

This isn't even about the event, I moved on from this ages ago - it's not even a big deal, just can't digest the whole argument of it 'being ok and justified' at all.

I don't think you are over it.

I would be most surprised if both had not been given a 'please explain' by the club.

 

[Last of the Roys]

In opening this thread, I simply wanted to state that there are some rumblings between Players & Coach, not headhunt Leppa.

I strongly believe in Leppa's ability to change the culture of this club. If player's don't want to buy in, they can f*ck off or even worse, play NEAFL every week. Zac O'Brien is a true testament to this. He crossed the line with two of our coaches and as a result, won our Reserves B&F followed by being delisted, talk about a double whammy to end your time at a struggling club.

This Gen Y playing group across the AFL is the real worry. Players becoming hypersensitive to the Coach's long term plans for their development whilst setting their eyes on returning to their home town or ideal club of choice with better facilities.

The last thing we can do is appoint another coach who caters to the insecurities of today's players, that is why we have welfare managers. Leppa, Lethal & Swann are setting a new standard that this club hasn't had since the glory days.

The player in question who I shared the conversation with is currently at GWS, let's call him Joel P, no that's too obvious, J Patfull. Before Lambert came up to begin his tenure, he had a two hour meeting with Joel to discuss the current issues at the club and what he needs to change, hopefully this is a positive start.

However, Joel told me this right before his Bali trip with Zac O'Brien where he would break his clavicle 24 hours later riding a scooter. Maybe my immense respect for this player went down a couple of notches that night.

So did he actually say a majority of the players are disengaged and dislike Leppa as a coach or was that just a vibe you got?

Also did you speak to him about his own thoughts on Leppa as a coach?

 

[greendiesel]

Didn't Richmond love Leppa ?
Sounds like he can be an arseh*le at times as well as a good bloke.
Sounds fine to me.

 

[25 years on]

Two years ago I was ready to give up my membership (after 23 years). I was fed up of watching "kick it long and hope" when Leppa came and tried something different. I kept my membership and have enjoyed watching more exciting ever since. I hope he stays and when our style of football has more regular success it will be so much better than a low scoring boring game so common today

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

You'd get your marching orders straight up. No written warnings. Stop living in fantasy land.

Some employers would react that way for sure but the question is would it stand? There are a limited range of things in the workplace that entitle an employer to instantly dismiss an employee these days. Has to amount to serious or gross misconduct usually. Context is relevant. Isolated event, in the heat of a sporting encounter, etc etc. Doubt this would be a sackable offence. Repeat offender, possibly different story. Physical contact, probably game over. Of course, there are multiple sides to every story though - it's why lawyers get rich.

 

[Nunez]

Tbh it is more damaging to club culture knowing one of the players/staff are constantly leaking info than what Leppa did.

 

[Wounded Lion]

So did he actually say a majority of the players are disengaged and dislike Leppa as a coach or was that just a vibe you got?

Also did you speak to him about his own thoughts on Leppa as a coach?

He mentioned it was a lot of the players ready to take the next step in their careers and used to be coached by Vossy. The younger players are well looked after by Leppa but I think it is the club overcompensating for the go home factor, which we need to do!

Relationship with Leppa strained for Joel when he was played out of position, was forced into a running defender type position which he felt was going to reduce his career. Move to GWS was also the opportunity to take back a KP spot.

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

He mentioned it was a lot of the players ready to take the next step in their careers and used to be coached by Vossy. The younger players are well looked after by Leppa but I think it is the club overcompensating for the go home factor, which we need to do!

Relationship with Leppa strained for Joel when he was played out of position, was forced into a running defender type position which he felt was going to reduce his career. Move to GWS was also the opportunity to take back a KP spot.

And perhaps not coincidentally, he seemed less influential at the Giants. Sometimes the player is not the best one to judge what role he is best suited for.

 

[crispy creme]

Didn't Richmond love Leppa ?
Sounds like he can be an arseh*le at times as well as a good bloke.
Sounds fine to me.

Been around footy clubs all my life, as probably many on here have, and more often than not the assistant coaches are more popular than the senior coach*. AC's are very rarely blamed by players when unpopular decisions are made.

* Mark Harvey being a notable exception.

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

Been around footy clubs all my life, as probably many on here have, and more often than not the assistant coaches are more popular than the senior coach*. AC's are very rarely blamed by players when unpopular decisions are made.

* Mark Harvey being a notable exception.

Unless of course they are the strength and conditioning coach.

 

[lukiuslion]

You'd get your marching orders straight up. No written warnings. Stop living in fantasy land.

Narr mate, it is you who looks a little bit out of touch here unfortunately? where do you work?

If you told a boss on a site to 'Get f***ed' out of frustration because he kept putting you on the shovel for 3 months straight? You'd cop a stern warning and mouthful from a superior and maybe a written warning.

Infact one outburst involving swearing, would not be grounds for instant dismissal without warning, youd have a case for unlawful dismissal.

I work in office and I have had staff lose their cool at superiors, Ive seen them swear at them and slam doors, it happens - I have NEVER seen anyone lay hands on each other though, ever.. in my 15 years in work force.

Your'e hell bent on defending this at all costs, its a dead end road. It was the lowest point of his career in his own words, lets move on.

 

[wantok]

Leppa made it clear this year that he did not think he was getting enough effort from his "senior" players in the absence of Rocky, Hanley and Merrett. Put your hands up Rich, Redden and Zorko. I agreed with him totally. Rich and Redden were playing lazily and Zorko just seemed frustrated and maybe even trying too hard to be effectual. The shock of being called out was obviously too much for Redden and he bailed out. Zorko came out and agreed with the coach and called his team mates to account. He stood up for the rest of the year. Rich was clearly injured but did lift his work rate thereafter. Sometimes the truth hurts. It seemed to me that the effort in the last few rounds was a good pointer to the future and that there was commitment. It would have been easy to just lay down and accept the spoon. On that basis I hope we don't have a major issue but just a few people not accepting higher standards.

 

[James North]

As far as I'm concerned the ZOB/Leppa thing is over, even though it was disappointing.

I don't think you can extrapolate to assume that he treats everyone like this just as much as you can't extrapolate to assume that every player tells a coach where to shove it if they don't like coming off to the bench.

I'm also fairly sure that physical contact and swearing happens a hell of a lot more at an AFL club than an open plan office.

 

[Maboo]

As far as I'm concerned the ZOB/Leppa thing is over, even though it was disappointing.

I don't think you can extrapolate to assume that he treats everyone like this just as much as you can't extrapolate to assume that every player tells a coach where to shove it if they don't like coming off to the bench.

I'm also fairly sure that physical contact and swearing happens a hell of a lot more at an AFL club than an open plan office.

Agreed, that is unless the open plan office is a govt dept.

 

[jackess]

As far as I'm concerned the ZOB/Leppa thing is over, even though it was disappointing.

I don't think you can extrapolate to assume that he treats everyone like this just as much as you can't extrapolate to assume that every player tells a coach where to shove it if they don't like coming off to the bench.

I'm also fairly sure that physical contact and swearing happens a hell of a lot more at an AFL club than an open plan office.

I just assume he chokeslams most players on a weekly/fortnightly basis. And the coaches and staff.

 

[James North]

Agreed, that is unless the open plan office is a govt dept.

How do they fight so much while sleeping?

I just assume he chokeslams most players on a weekly/fortnightly basis. And the coaches and staff.

Probably best.