COLLINGWOOD VFL coach Dale Tapping has been lured north, joining the Brisbane Lions' revamped coaching panel under Chris Fagan.
The 51-year-old will bring a wealth of experience to the Queensland club and his appointment follows the return of former Lions captain Jed Adcock as an assistant coach.
Tapping was named the 2016 VFL coach of the year after leading the Pies' reserves to second spot on the ladder, before a heavy preliminary final defeat to eventual premiers Footscray.
He played 105 games for Prahran in the VFA (now the VFL) and was on Melbourne's list in 1988 but didn't play a senior game.
Tapping also coached at amateur level with Old Scotch and led TAC Cup side Sandringham Dragons to the premiership in 2011 before joining the Magpies.
He was Collingwood's midfield development coach in 2012 and then took charge of the VFL squad, leading the team to four-straight finals appearances.
"Dale is a great relationship builder, a good communicator and an experienced coach," Lions football manager David Noble said.
"He’s coached in his own right and has a strong track record with player development and is ready to take on a key assistant role."
