NEWLY inducted Australian Football Hall of Fame member Nigel Lappin played some of his best football in finals. Here's a list of his top-five games for the Brisbane Lions.
1. Brisbane Lions v Collingwood, Grand Final, 2003
It might not have been statistically his best game, but ask any Lions fan and it's the first one that jumps to mind when you mention Lappin's name. The midfielder was heroic in helping his club to a third straight premiership, playing with broken ribs, absorbing plenty of punishment and still finishing with 19 disposals.
Lappin (r) with a jubilant Michael Voss as the Lions marched towards the 2003 flag. Picture: AFL Media
2. Brisbane Lions v Geelong, preliminary final, 2004
Seeking a historic fourth straight flag, the Lions had to fight like crazy to take care of the upstart Cats by nine points – and they largely had Lappin to thank for it. On a tough, slippery Saturday night in Melbourne, where many of his teammates struggled, Lappin solidified his reputation as a big-game star with a 30-disposal and one-goal best-on-ground performance.
Jonathan Brown (l), Lappin and Luke Power (r) as the Lions pushed for a historic four-peat in '04. Picture: AFL Media
3. Brisbane Lions v Adelaide, round nine, 2001
In a thrilling match at the Gabba the Lions ultimately lost, Lappin had a remarkable night. He finished with 29 touches, an equal match-high (alongside Chris Scott), and kicked four goals. Marcus Picken had a long range kick after the siren to win that fell short, but Lappin's contribution was sublime. Following that loss, the Lions went on to win 16 matches straight, culminating in the premiership.
The dream team (l-r): Justin Leppitsch, Lappin, Michael Voss, Brad Scott and Jason Akermanis cool off. Picture: AFL Media
4. Brisbane Lions v Collingwood, Grand Final, 2002
Nathan Buckley controversially won the Norm Smith Medal, while Michael Voss was considered unlucky, but Lappin's hand in the Lions' second flag has long been undervalued – like much of his career. A team-high 28 disposals and match-best eight clearances were priceless on a day when his team battled to shake free of the brave Magpies.
Lappin (bottom centre) celebrates the 2002 premiership with teammates Simon Black (second from left) and Michael Voss (r). Picture: AFL Media
5. Brisbane Lions v Richmond, preliminary final, 2001
It's only fitting that Lappin's list concludes with yet another finals appearance – it's what his reputation was built on. Even though the Lions won this comfortably and had plenty of contributors, he was a major catalyst for putting the club into its first Grand Final post-the merger with Fitzroy. Twenty-nine disposals and three goals was a fair night out.
Lappin looks on as Voss (r) congratulates Akermanis on his 2001 Brownlow win. Picture: AFL Media
• Read Nigel Lappin's Hall of Fame profile: The 'unsung' member of the Lions' fab four
• Click here for full profiles and videos of the 2016 AFL Hall of Fame inductees
