Leopold co-coach Luke Kelly has stepped down from the role one year into a two-year contract.
The former AFL assistant coach with Port Adelaide and the GWS Giants has confirmed to K rock Football that he and the Lions agreed to part company last night, with Kelly citing family and work commitments.
Kelly and his young family recently moved to Melbourne, and he says increased overseas travel commitments as part of his employment as High Performance Manager at Bocce Australia also played a role in the decision.
“In the end, the time commitment that’s required for this level of football, and what’s best for the footy club, in the end led to a decision that it was best that we part ways and give each other the best opportunity to move forward in everything,” he said.
“(It’s) disappointing that we’re not able to see this through with a pretty great group.
“But, as we know, life gets big quick, and now is the right time to do it.”
It was only announced last month that Kelly was to share the role with Lions 2016 premiership player Sam Hughes in 2025.
“We brought ‘Hughsey’ on to make sure that we could fill that program and give it the time and energy that it needed across multiple areas,” he said.
“Then, over the last month, with some family stuff that has added to it, it’s probably increased those conversations.
“And in the end, that’s where we landed.”
Kelly replaced Garry Hocking in October last year after the Geelong great had guided Leopold to consecutive premierships for the first time in club history.
However, the Lions struggled for momentum during 2025, missing the finals.
“On behalf of the Leopold Football Netball Club, I want to thank Luke for his significant contribution to the Club and Senior Program over season 2025,” president Aaron Verlin said in a statement on Facebook.
“His focus on developing our next generation of senior players will leave an incredible legacy for the Club.
“Sam Hughes will assume the role of Head Coach for season 2026, and further coaching announcements will be made shortly.
X: @krockfootball
