Nigel Lappin Update [Archive]

roostersgal4eva

5 Dec 2005, 22:25

from the lions website

Lappin aims for NAB opener

Courageous midfielder Nigel Lappin is aiming to be available for the Brisbane Lions' NAB Cup opener against Essendon at Carrara on February 24.

Lappin suffered a sickening injury against eventual premiers Sydney Swans in their round 20 clash at Telstra Stadium when he fractured his leg and has spent most of the post-season in rehabilitation.

He is due to visit the surgeon next week for a further up-date after having rods that helped mend the leg removed a month ago.

"To be honest I would be disappointed if I am not ready for the first pre-season game," Lappin told afl.com.au.

"You speak to some people and they say it will take just a few months and the surgeon said to me it was definitely a five-month injury.

"Five months will take it into January so hopefully I can be doing everything by then."

The leg injury forced him to miss the team-bonding trip to Kokoda being held this week and Lappin is disappointed not to be out there with his mates after spending most of the time on crutches, but is thankful for the chance to do a little freshen up.

"You try and use the time (post-season) to relax and have a bit of fun but I wasn't able to," he said.

"The club demands you to do the right thing by your body, but at the same time you need a break to clear your head."

Not helping the recuperating process though was a stomach bug that hit Lappin in recent weeks and he has taken time to overcome the illness, but is now back in training mode.

"I am hoping over the next couple of weeks to join in a couple drills at training and then full training after Christmas," said Lappin.

"I started doing some running, but it was a little bit sore so I have been restricted to stationary skills and some cycling."

While the club is hoping the much-publicised finish to the season was an aberration, Lappin concedes next year will be a test for the club following several retirements and a sudden influx of youngsters that led to 10 players making their debut in 2005.

"The problem with the club at the moment is that we don't have a lot of 24 or 25 year-olds," observed Lappin, but that of course was due to the club hanging onto their core group of players while they enjoyed their triple-premiership success.

"If you look at all the best teams and us four years ago that is the age the players are coming into their own. They are still confident and bodies are good - If you had a magic wand and could introduce some players of that age then that is what I would do."

Brownlow Medallist Simon Black, gun midfielder Luke Power, star forward Jonathan Brown and the versatile Tim Notting are a handful of players that now fit into that age group.

"The first and second year players while they show promise find it hard to maintain consistency across a whole season - once you have had five or six seasons you can do that," added Lappin.

"Everyone is excited about the year ahead and there is so much talent still in the group we have got enough talent to win another premiership.

"While you want to forget about the last three games they are in the back of your mind because you don't want to go there again."

The tireless runner also had an observation on the introduction of the new rule regarding being able to bring the ball back into play following a behind without waiting for the goal umpire to wave the flags.

"It would be great as a spectacle, but it could be diabolical for the players because it would make it hard to set-up defensive zones," said Lappin.

"I think it will suit because it will enable you to get on with the game quickly."

Lappin, who passed the 250-game milestone and will be 30 next year, was asked how long he can continue playing at the top level and had no hesitation in referring to a favourite cliché.

"I will play every year as though it will be my last," he replied admitting that 2006 was the final year of his current contract. "It will be matter of how the body survives.

"Mentally last year I admit I was a bit burnt out because of carrying all the injuries, but if I can get on top of all of them there is no reason why I wouldn't go on."

Football and injuries though will be momentarily forgotten soon as Lappin and wife Claire make way for a new addition to the family with the birth of their second child around Christmas.