31 May 2001
When Robert Walls coached Brisbane Justin Leppitsch was the Keith Moon of the team. He generated a wild, high energy tearaway style yet everyone knew he was a class act. With advancing years and experience, big JL is now the Charlie Watts of the Lions. He supplies a strong and imaginative beat that fits in with all the other band members.
As captain of the Brisbane outfit that travelled to Football Park for the Ansett Cup grand final, Leppitsch finished the game with his head held high. He stuck Chad Cornes in a cage from which there was no escape. The powerhouse redhead created opportunities when he went forward after half time.
But a previous wearer of the Brisbane number 23 could well have left a lasting impression at the drum kit of League football. That player was Laurence Schache. Brisbane recruiting guru Shane O'Sullivan was excited about snaring with 1990 mid season draft pick number one the tall rangy forward from Hopetoun. Schache had had a stint at Essendon before West Torrens, Wayne Jackson's old club.
Laurie was 194 centimetres tall and 91 kilograms. He was harder to match up than Bryant and Mays. He spent the rest of 1990 getting into the groove of AFL footy. Come 1991 and Schache had the high hat and tom tom going from early in the season. Against Richmond at Carrara in round 10, the big guy on a long lead straight up the ground took a pass from David Bain in the second quarter. He booted a goal from 50 calm as a mill pond. A difficult six pointer snap from the dead pocket showed his agility and judgement. Not enough however. Tigers home 12.10 to 10.15.
Round 12 1991. Brisbane v. Eagles at Carrara. Third term. Laurence a weaving S shaped lead and strong hands under heavy physical pressure from Brennan. The cymbal crash of a set shot goal from 45 on a 45. A similar major in the last. Unfortunately Brisbane lost 93 to 145.
Hawthorn blasted Brisbane in round 13. 22.17 to 9.8. Schache hammered through two clever goals and gave one away to Roger Merrett. The following week Brisbane met the Crows at Football Park. The Schach booted the first goal of the game - a 50 metre beauty on the run. Alas his solo performance was not enough to prevent a walloping. 23.18 to 13.12.
Last game of the year at Carrara. Melbourne the opposition. Halfway through the second, Schache marked a David Cameron pass, played on and slotted a goal. He bagged another 25 minutes into the third. Brizzy fell short by a mere 12 points, 13.13 to the Demons 15.13.
Brisbane finished the '91 season on the bottom of the ladder with three wins. Yet Laurie topped the side's goal kicking with 47. During 1992, Schache did okay. He copped a severe hamstring injury followed by a groin strain. He did well in the round 9 loss to Footscray at Carrara. Ran into an open goal.
He was delisted at the end of 1993. A total of 29 games for 67 goals.
Laurence Schache had that beat to provide some heat.