After more than a decade at Aegis Park, Leigh Harding has decided to move on, taking up a role as development coach at the Brisbane Lions.  

The former forward-turned-defender nicknamed ‘Turtle’ told NMFC.com.au he is excited about his new opportunity.

"It's been about 13 years (at North Melbourne) so it's going to be different,” Harding said.  

“It'll be a new challenge, getting out of Victoria…the first time that's ever happened, and getting to a new bunch of blokes.”  

Initially locked in to play a role at VFL level with Werribee again in 2013, Harding received an offer from Brisbane that changed his career path and turned his life upside-down.

While it’s sad to say farewell, Chief of Football Donald McDonald is delighted Harding’s experience at North has enabled him to land a new role.
"We were aware he (Harding) always wanted to move into a full-time coaching role so we gave him the experience working down at Werribee and also alongside Steve Saunders (Director of Medical Services) in rehabilitation,” McDonald said.

“He did a terrific job and he goes up to Brisbane with our blessing."
 
When his playing career ended in 2010, Harding transitioned straight into in the club’s football department in a position that often slipped under the radar.

"I was the rehab coordinator so I was looking after the blokes that were injured and trying to get them back as best as we could.”

A knee reconstruction during his playing days meant that Harding had his own personal experience to draw from in the job.

"You know where people are at in their rehabilitation both physically and mentally. I can give them help as they go through the process, put all the pieces together and go from there.

"It made it a little easier (playing to working at same club) because the relationships were already built. The guys already trusted me, knew who I was and what I was about. So it made it easy for both parties when they were in rehab to make their time a little bit easier."

While he’ll be missed by all at Aegis Park, those who worked with the Kangaroos’ life member have fond memories.   

"I spent a fair bit of time with him in rehab and it's a credit to Turtle,” midfielder Leigh Adams said.

“He spent time in his playing days going through university and studying on Saturday's and Sunday's. He worked very hard down at Werribee last year and he's been rewarded with a great job."