Geelong will farewell one of the keys to the club being a perennial premiership contender when Nigel Lappin takes a role with incoming AFL club Tasmania at the end of the season.
The Cats have confirmed reports that Lappin will join the Devils as Head of Development after spending 18 years at Kardinia Park.
“I leave with mixed emotions,” Lappin said in a statement. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities this club has given me and the stability it has provided my family over the past 18 years.
“The leadership of this club – Steve Hocking, Chris Scott, Andrew Mackie, and those who came before them – has been exceptional. Their ability to inspire people, encourage growth, and back their staff unconditionally creates a people-first environment.
“I’ve been fortunate to build lifelong relationships across the club. To everyone in the football department, the assistant coaches, and most recently the fantastic team involved with the Academy – thank you. It’s been an incredible journey.
“To the players, past and present: while my role was to help you develop, you’ve shaped the coach and person I’ve become. The greatest privilege of my job has been sharing the journey with you and pursuing something meaningful together.
“This club has always felt like home. I’ll never forget the success we achieved, but even more than that, I’ll always remember how the people here made me feel.
“While leaving is difficult, I’m excited for a new challenge – the opportunity to help build something at a foundation club, in a football-obsessed state with strong personal ties, and in an area of the game I’m deeply passionate about.”
A triple-premiership winner with the Brisbane Lions in a 279-match career that earned him induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, Lappin joined the Cats under Mark Thompson in 2009.
He’s been a development, forwards, and midfield coach, playing a role in premierships in 2009, 2011 and 2022, before being appointed Head of Development in 2023.
“We’re excited for Nigel and this new opportunity in his career,” Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie said.
“Nigel has worn plenty of hats in his 18 years at the Cats and has been a constant source of support for our players, coaches and staff.
“His commitment, loyalty and passion for helping players develop has had a significant impact on the people who have come through and are currently in our program.
“Many of our younger players currently playing AFL have benefited from Nigel’s coaching, guidance and investment in their development.
“Nigel has always put the club and its people first and on behalf of everyone at the club, I’d like to thank Nigel for his incredible service and contribution.”
X: @krockfootball
