TRIPLE PREMIERSHIP LION NIGEL LAPPIN TO JOIN CATS
Ben Jensen 15 October 2008

By Ben Jensen (In London) NIGEL LAPPIN, triple Premiership player with the Brisbane Lions and four time All Australian will join Geelong in a coaching role effective immediately. Lappin, a member of the 'fab four' along with Brownlow Medallists Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis and Simon Black, was considered one of the best midfielders in the AFL during the premiership years at Brisbane until injury intervened. Lappin called it quits in August, the latest injury being an achilles tendon. He sat out the entire 2006 season with a hamstring injury and while managing 18 games in 2007, was a shadow of his former self. He was co-captain of the club in 2007. Lappin played 279 games since making his debut in 1994, although only managed four in 2008.

Cats football tsar Neil Balme was pleased with the appointment. "We are thrilled to be able to add Nigel to our coaching panel. Nigel’s record speaks for itself and we are looking forward to his knowledge and teaching ability helping the club to continue to be strong."

Likewise Lappin (or at least the GFC press release writer-up-erer) was similarly chirpy about the move. "The club has gone from strength to strength over the years and I seen playing against them how they have developed. I have great respect for the way the club has gone about building its team and am excited to be joining them and working with the players and coaches. We will be moving to Geelong shortly and I can’t wait to get started down there."

2008 BATHURST HIGHLIGHTS - DVD $34.95 + P&H