Triple Brisbane Lions premiership defender Justin Leppitsch will become the coach of the Lions, a decision confirmed by the board on Tuesday evening.

As revealed exclusively by Fairfax Media earlier in the day, the 227-game triple All-Australian has won the position. He is understood to have received the blessing of his former coach Leigh Matthews, who had a key vote on the Lions' selection panel. Leppitsch, who will take on the senior job solo, won the role ahead of Sydney assistant Leigh Tudor.

He has worked at the Tigers as defensive coach since late 2009, having previously coached as an assistant at the Lions under Matthews and, briefly, sacked coach Michael Voss.

The AFL is understood to be satisfied with the appointment.