Meg Lappin follows footsteps of father Nigel after being selected by Brisbane as their first father-daughter draft pick

The Lions’ men’s program is chock-full of father-son guns, but the cupboard has been bare in the AFLW program — until now. Meg Lappin is following the footsteps of her “biggest role model” at Brisbane.

A famous family name will return to the Brisbane Lions next year when Meg Lappin, the daughter of triple-premiership player Nigel, returns home to Queensland to join the club’s AFLW program.

The 18-year-old was born in Queensland but has spent much of her life in Geelong after Nigel joined the Cats in 2009 as an assistant coach shortly after retiring from the AFL.

Brisbane kept in regular contact with Meg throughout the year but only recently confirmed its desire to draft her as a father-daughter – the first such selection in club history.

Meg was watching at home with family when her name was called at pick 59.

Brisbane Lions AFLW draftee Meg Lappin with her father and former Brisbane Lions player Nigel Lappin who is the current Cats assistant coach. Picture: Alison Wynd

“I had been in contact with them throughout the year so I always knew it was a possibility but only recently did I sign the father-daughter (documentation),” she told this masthead.

“It was all pretty quick – very exciting.”

The 180cm key position prospect had not even celebrated her second birthday before Nigel announced his AFL retirement at the end of the 2008 season.

Despite not having watched her father in his 279-game prime she said it was still a dream to pull on the maroon, blue and gold 18 years after he hung up the jersey.

“My only memories (of Nigel playing) are of what people have told me,” Meg said.

“It’s so cool. He’s definitely the biggest role model in my life with my footy so it’s just amazing to have gone on similar journeys.

“We talked about (playing for Brisbane). I think I always knew footy was what I wanted to do so any opportunity I was happy to take.

“I would have been happy to go anywhere but Brisbane was always at the top of my list. I’ve seen the facilities and I just think it will be a great club to start my journey at.”

Meg said she felt most comfortable in defence but would be happy to play any role as required at the Lions.

Meg Lappin and Nigel Lappin. Picture: Alison Wynd

Lappin lining up for the Geelong Falcons. Picture: Alan Barber

The club just shipped defender Poppy Boltz to GWS and also lost key forward Taylor Smith who requested a trade to the Swans last week, leaving key posts vacant at either end of the ground.

“One of my strengths is my speed as a tall,” Meg said.

“I think I can use that to beat my opponents on the ground as well as compete in the air.

“I’m not exactly sure where they want me to play but I’m happy to go anywhere. I’m just looking forward to training hard and putting the work in to be able to show my strengths.”

Lappin is one of four Victorians drafted by the Lions on Monday night.

She was unsure when she would make the move to Queensland but hoped her twin sister, Ally, might join her in the Sunshine State.

“Growing up with Ally has made footy so much more fun and being able to share this moment with her … I’m not sure what her plans are next year, maybe she will move up with me,” Meg said.

“So props to her for all the work she has put in with me.

“I’m just really looking forward to next year.”

Originally published as Meg Lappin follows footsteps of father Nigel after being selected by Brisbane as their first father-daughter draft pick