Lethlean, who started his career at Oakleigh,[5] made nine appearances for Melbourne in the 1921 VFL season.

His bulk, guile and tenacity made him well suited to the role, and he became a key contributor over the next few seasons.

Lethlean was elected captain of the side in 1927, where he gave good service as a ruckman during an injury crisis, despite missing four games through suspension.

[8] In 1928 Lethlean and his family moved to Perenjori, Western Australia to become farmers,[9] but returned to Victoria about five years later after his brother's death.

[10] Lethlean worked as a public servant after his return to Victoria and was living in East Malvern at the time of his death in 1969.