Leopold isn’t begrudging captain Mitch Burgess exploring an opportunity to play a higher standard of footy.
The reigning Mathieson medallist will cross the Nullarbor to join WAFL club Swan Districts in 2027.
Although naturally disappointed to lose a player of Burgess’ class, Lions co-coach Sam Hughes was philosophical about his departure.
“The more I’ve thought about it over the last four to six weeks since Mitch and I’ve been having conversations about it, yeah, I think it’s an opportunity that he should absolutely take,” Hughes said.
“It isn’t going to be on the table for him every year, or it may not pop up again in the near future.
“For him to better his footy and go play at a high level, he absolutely goes with our blessing, and we’re proud that he’s been able to get that opportunity off the back of solid years at GFL level.
“But it’s not just his playing ability that will hurt us. He’s a leader of our footy club, and just a great person as well
“It’s a little bit of a bittersweet moment.”
From Warrnambool, where he was good enough to play Talent League with the GWV Rebels, Burgess joined Leopold in 2021.
He made 79 appearances for the Lions and played in their 2023 and 2024 premierships.
Hughes says Burgess, who is currently overseas, has carefully considered his decision.
“Weighing up the pros and cons, and what’s best for him and his footy, and at his stage in his life, what sort of priorities and all those sorts of things,” Hughes said
“He’s been super transparent with us, which has been fantastic.
“And at the same time, we’ve been able to work together to come to an outcome that we think is best for him and (partner) Charlotte.”
“For a fella that doesn’t come from Leopold and comes from the southwest, you’d probably think that he grew up in 3224 and had been living there his whole life
“He loves the club that much and bleeds green and gold.”
The loss of Burgess follows the return of 2025 best-and-fairest Tate Porter to the Hampden region.
Porter, whose 2026 season was cut short by injury, has signed for North Warrnambool after three years at Memorial Park.
“He nearly went at the start of this year, just family reasons and getting back home closer to support back down near Warrnambool,” Hughes said
“I knew that was on the cards.
“He’s a quality person, regardless of his ability as well, and it does leave a bit of a hole in our midfield group.”
However, Leopold has attracted a quartet of signings, including Jamison Hallam from South Barwon.
Hallam spent a season with the Swans after winning Ocean Grove’s best-and-fairest in 2025.
He played nine senior matches for South Barwon, including three finals, but was left out of the grand final team.
“It was between us and South last year, and he chose to go to South,” Hughes,
“He obviously went with our best wishes, and we were disappointed not to get him through the doors.
“He’s got some connections at Leopold through ‘Opsy’ (Peter Opsimoulis) and a few other people around the club.
“I kept in contact with Jami throughout the year, and I caught up with him post-season, and he wasn’t against the idea (of joining Leopold).
“And then conversations just progressed from there.
“I think the opportunity to play regular senior footy was something that he was really interested in, and I think someone of his calibre will fit into our program really well.”
Leopold will commence pre-season training next Monday, November 16.
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