The longest-serving member of Geelong’s coaching staff is among three new life members announced by the club’s annual general meeting tonight (Wednesday).
Nigel Lappin joined the Cats in 2008 and, during that time, has served in various roles, including assistant coach and development coach.
Lappin, also a life member of the Brisbane Lions, was appointed as Geelong’s Head of Development this year.
“I grew up in a really small country town called Chiltern with about 900 people, and to me that was my community,” he said
“And every single person in that community I pretty much knew growing up.
“My community was very small in Brisbane because it was pretty much the footy club.
“And this is my third community, and it’s just as significant as any other community because it’s a really big step in my life.”
Recruiting ‘spotter’ Peter Casey and former employee Rob Threlfall have also been honoured.
Casey has been helping the Cats identify talent since 1992.
“I’m just so honoured to be working for this club for so long,” he said.
“‘Wellsy’ (recruiting boss Stephen Wells) gave me a chance in the 90s.
“And then again in 2006 when I retired from teaching, we upped the ante a bit, and I’ve just loved every bit of it.
“My passion for recruiting at the club I love is just unbelievable.”
Threlfall held various executive-level roles between 2000-2014 and was a director of the Geelong Cats Foundation from 2014-2023.
“I’m just very honoured,” he said.
(I) grew up across the road, and to think that I worked here for so long and met such great people, I’m very fortunate, very fortunate indeed.
“And very fortunate that my family and friends have been very supportive along the way.”
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