I'm not moving, nor is Leppitsch, declares Matthews Australian Football Jon Pierik Leigh Matthews insists he is not standing aside as a director of the Brisbane Lions board, and reaffirmed Justin Leppitsch is contracted until the end of next season. 
Leppitsch and his team are under immense pressure heading into Sunday's home clash against Greater Western Sydney at the Gabba, where they face a club- record 12th straight defeat.
Matthews denied on Saturday there had been a player "revolt" against Leppitsch, while the coach lashed out at continued media criticism of the club and his players.
The Lions have only the one win this season, and there has been speculation Leppitsch could be axed should they lose to fellow struggler Essendon at Etihad Stadium next Sunday.
Skipper Tom Rockliff has also found himself under fire, with a Queensland newspaper column claiming he was overweight and a regular on Brisbane's social scene.
Rockliff is contracted until the end of 2017 but there has been speculation he could be traded this year.
"Some of the crap that's written about our players, basically lies written in the press annoy me, about our boys," Leppitsch said.
"Some of our young boys don't deserve it, like Squiz (Lewis Taylor) and our captain as well, copping it for no reason - it's all rubbish.
"That kills me, but I can cop it, so bring it on.
"I'm big and strong enough to handle it and to be honest I don't really rate the opinions of those that are speaking, so that's the way it goes."
Rockliff has been linked to an $800,000-a-year deal with the Adelaide Crows, while Taylor is seeking $500,000 a year, although that figure is likely to be what is required to lure him from the Lions.
Matthews is not the Lions' chairman - that role is held by the low- profile Bob Sharpless - but his opinion is the most powerful.
He had suggested earlier this year he could step down to just concentrate on his media commitments, and thereby avoid questioning of what internally was happening at the besieged club.
But the three-time Lions' premiership coach said on Saturday he would remain on the board.
"I am on the board - and I will be working in the media, too, if my media employers still want me to," he said.
Asked specifically if he was considering stepping aside from the board, Matthews said: "I have no plans to do that. But no one is there for forever, I am talking that's coaches, players, board members.
"You are there for a period of time while it suits you and suits the club."
Amid conjecture about Leppitsch, Matthews indicated the coach was safe.
"He is going to be coach until we say he is not going to be coach and he is contracted for '17," he said.
with AAP