LAPPIN TERMINATES GEELONG CONTRACT TO REJOIN BRISBANE LIONS AS ASSISTANT COACH
Respected Geelong Cats assistant coach and Australian Football Hall of Famer Nigel Lappin has terminated his contract with the reigning premiers to take up the same role at his former club, the Brisbane Lions – marking a full-circle return to the side where he forged his legendary playing career.
The 48-year-old, who has been an integral part of Geelong’s coaching staff for 14 years, informed Cats officials of his decision earlier this week, with the club agreeing to release him from his contract with immediate effect. Lappin will join Brisbane’s coaching panel ahead of the 2026 AFL season, reuniting with the Lions where he established himself as one of the game’s greatest midfielders.
As a player at Brisbane, Lappin was a cornerstone of the club’s historic three consecutive premierships (2001-2003), earning four consecutive All-Australian selections (2001-2004) and claiming the 2004 Merrett-Murray Medal as the Lions’ Best & Fairest. He also co-captained the side and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2019, celebrated for his extraordinary toughness – most notably his 2003 Grand Final performance where he played through broken ribs to help secure the Lions’ third straight flag.
During his tenure at Geelong, Lappin built an equally impressive coaching legacy. He was part of the Cats’ premiership-winning teams in 2009 and 2011, initially focusing on midfield development before taking on the role of Head of Player Development. In this position, he played a crucial part in nurturing emerging stars like Tom Stewart and Mark Blicavs, while maintaining Geelong’s renowned talent pipeline – contributions that earned him life membership at the club.
Geelong CEO Steve Hocking paid tribute to Lappin’s immense impact, describing him as “a true professional who has left an indelible mark on our club.” “While we are disappointed to lose Nigel, we understand his desire to return to where his journey began,” Hocking said. “He has been instrumental in our success and the growth of our players, and he leaves with our full respect and gratitude.”
Brisbane Lions head coach Chris Fagan welcomed Lappin’s homecoming, stating he would bring “invaluable experience and leadership” to the club’s coaching group. “Nigel is a Lions legend, and his knowledge of what it takes to win premierships will be a huge asset as we continue to build towards our own flag aspirations,” Fagan said.
Lappin expressed his excitement at the move, saying: “Brisbane will always be home to me. I’m grateful for everything Geelong has given me, but the chance to contribute to my former club’s success as a coach was too good to pass up.”
