The Western Bulldogs have failed in their pursuit of Collingwood assistant coach Justin Leppitsch, who is understood to have re-pledged his commitment to the Magpies in hopes of securing a more substantial role.
Leppitsch currently holds the Head of Strategy position at Olympic Park, having aided senior coach Craig McRae in leading the Magpies to this year's premiership.
However, the former Richmond assistant is reportedly preparing to embark on a bigger role at Collingwood going forward, following his decision to decline the Bulldogs' advances this off-season.
According toย SENย reporter Sam Edmund on Tuesday morning, the former Brisbane Lions coach is expected to take on a role similar to that of a 'director of football performance' position.
Justin Leppitsch is poised for a role change at Collingwood after declining the Bulldogs' tempting approach. The Pies' head of strategy is set to take on a director of football performance-type position - a similar role to that presented by the Dogs, who now need to pivot.
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) October 10, 2023
The Bulldogs, who, as Edmund notes, "need to pivot", appear to have done just that; reportedly displaying interest in Geelong head of development Matthew Egan for a role within their football department.
Egan, who has previous coaching experience at Melbourne and Essendon in addition to his Cats tenure, is on the radar of the Dogs, according toย AFL Media journalist Josh Gabelich.
Matthew Egan is on the @westernbulldogs radar to join the football department. Currently head of development at Geelong, previously coached at Melbourne & Essendon @AFLcomau
— Josh Gabelich (@JoshGabelich) October 10, 2023
While they navigate moves regarding a football department restructure, the Doggies are also right in the trade period thick of things, having struck a day-one deal with the Gold Coast Suns for the No. 4 selection at November's National Draft.
RELATED: DOGS LAND PICK FOUR IN SUNS SWAP
The Bulldogs offloaded numerous selections in exchange for Gold Coast's prized choice, as they prepare to match an early rival bid for father-son prospect Jordan Croft, while the Suns strengthened their hand as they look to do the same for a trio of prodigious Academy talents.
SEE ALSO: 2023 DRAFT ORDER
The trade period opened on Monday and runs through until Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 PM (AEDT), while the first night of the 2023 National Draft is scheduled for Monday, November 20.
